So true.  I'm actually fairly fearless, except for heights -- but would not drive anywhere except maybe England, in the countryside.  Considering good public transportation, and its benefits which include wonderful conversations, relaxing, greater safety, it seems a needless risk.  Cities like Florence, and Sevilla are easily walkable, and I have hitched (so to speak) a few times, with friends met along the way to get to more inaccessible places. 

 

In Rome, chatting with a cabbie I remarked (or perhaps it was a gasp) at the sea of Vespas, busses and assorted other vehicles darting fast and crazily around us in no discernable lane or order.  He said with evident pride "We are good drivers here, Signora!"  He understated - they're not good, they're phenomenal.  So are fearless pedestrians, little old ladies with molto attitude wading into congested streets, head high and imperious hand bringing traffic to halt.  But I think you have to grow up navigating the mess to acquire reflexes, nerves of steel and serious chuztpah to survive.  I'd be slaughtered, instantly.