Nightly view of Florence Dome and Giotto Bell tower

While driving in Southern Tuscany I was listening to a worthless radio program instead of tuning in to FM 103.3 Isoradio, a station of the Italian government’s broadcasting system RAI. Isoradio is a station that broadcasts 24/7 and reports weather conditions, road and traffic conditions every 10 minutes. At one point I left the Via Cassia (one of the four Roman Imperial roads) that departs from the Capital and connects the extreme ends of the vast Roman Empire. I was planning to take the A1 Autostrada del Sole to get to the airport in Rome a bit more efficiently. I wasn’t in a big hurry, but I was trying to avoid a very twisty section of the Via Cassia around Lake Bolsena.

As I passed the barrier I saw a truck with a big sign alerting drivers of upcoming bumper-to-bumper traffic. I discovered, in less then a mile, that it wasn’t bumper-to-bumper, but much worse, all cars were at a stand still. I lost two full hours trapped in this five-mile traffic mess. A truck had caught fire and traffic was stopped on all lanes. The highway was closed.

If you are going to travel to Italy and plan to drive yourself, remember these 2 important lessons:

Lesson #1: When driving in Italy tune your radio to this station: FM 103.3. Carefully listen to the updates if they involve your itinerary. The announcements are offered in English as well. Take immediate action if necessary.

Lesson #2: Never plan to arrive at the airport the same day of your departure if you are planning to take an Intercontinental flight. Get close to the airport the evening before your departure day. It could save you from a bad situation.

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