Callie, your response about driving in Italy is spot on!

Serendipity has always been a passenger in my car on Italian roads. Few disasters, no scares, &lots of wonderful &often unexpected surprises! With a decent map &a sense of direction, it almost always works.

My only caveat: in addition to avoiding cities, avoiding autostrade at night or in very foggy/rainy conditions is good sense.

Slainte, Gail in Eugene