Best tip I know for driving in Italy is to do your motorway driving at weekends because the heavy lorries are not allowed on the roads. In northern Italy the roads are made up of viaducts and tunnels, generally two-lane dual carriageways, so the absence of heavies is a real bonus.
I just had three weeks motoring down there and I didn't hear of the reflective vest thing.
The Italians have brought tailgating into an art form, you'd swear sometimes the car behind you is almost touching. Best way is to gradually slow down to a stop; they'll generally stop behind you while fervently sounding the horn. They then have to back up to get around you - a hoot!

enjoy
Terry