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I'm an American, I lived in Germany for several years around the turn of the century. German roads that I encountered were far superior to American roads. Their

I'm an American, I lived in Germany for several years around the turn of the century. German roads that I encountered were far superior to American roads. Their construction is far more robust, the roads last much longer. And with German lane discipline (passing someone on the right is practically a cultural taboo, it's a prohibition that's taken quite seriously) they are usually a joy to drive on.

PaulDavisThe1st 2y ago
I found the autobahn utterly nerve-wracking to drive on. In the US, on an interstate, the MPH spread around the speed limit is probably -20 to +20 (i.e. limit is 75, slowest cars are at 55, fastest at 95) In Germany, on autobahns, you have speed ratios of up to 2x. You have to constantly be 110% aware of every vehicle within 1/4 mile of you, because you could either be closing in the much slower vehicle in front of you, or suddenly approached and passed by a much faster vehicle from behind.
- cr1895 2y ago
  >You have to constantly be 110% aware of every vehicle within 1/4 mile of you, Not such a terrible thing honestly... Personally, I find the lack of predictability on US interstates is much riskier. I'm pretty sure the accident statistics back this up too.
  - rascul 2y ago
    The qualifications to drive in some states are barely more than ability to breathe.
- jcadam 2y ago
  Absolutely. I was stationed in Germany for 3 years while I was in the Army. You could be in the left lane of the Autobahn, doing 90+ passing a truck, and suddenly a Ferrari that wasn't there 5 seconds ago is right behind you, flashing its headlights demanding you get out of the way (apparently you're supposed to merge into the side of a semi).
  - Woeps 2y ago
    When I'm driving trough Germany I always encounter at least one worker van going the speed of light and flashing the <insert sport car> for going to slow.
f1refly 2y ago
It's also a legal taboo, fyi
- Woeps 2y ago
  What? passing on the right in Germany? As far I can search (and recall) it's prohibited except on multilane roads (including the Autobahn) when traffic in the left lane is stopped or is moving at less than 60 km/h
cr1895 2y ago
>And with German lane discipline The number of big trucks hanging out in the left lane in the US drives me mad...
- MisterTea 2y ago
  Depends on the state. Many like NY have "No trucks in left lane" laws.

PaulDavisThe1st 2y ago

I found the autobahn utterly nerve-wracking to drive on. In the US, on an interstate, the MPH spread around the speed limit is probably -20 to +20 (i.e. limit is 75, slowest cars are at 55, fastest at 95) In Germany, on autobahns, you have speed ratios of up to 2x. You have to constantly be 110% aware of every vehicle within 1/4 mile of you, because you could either be closing in the much slower vehicle in front of you, or suddenly approached and passed by a much faster vehicle from behind.

cr1895 2y ago
>You have to constantly be 110% aware of every vehicle within 1/4 mile of you, Not such a terrible thing honestly... Personally, I find the lack of predictability on US interstates is much riskier. I'm pretty sure the accident statistics back this up too.
- rascul 2y ago
  The qualifications to drive in some states are barely more than ability to breathe.
jcadam 2y ago
Absolutely. I was stationed in Germany for 3 years while I was in the Army. You could be in the left lane of the Autobahn, doing 90+ passing a truck, and suddenly a Ferrari that wasn't there 5 seconds ago is right behind you, flashing its headlights demanding you get out of the way (apparently you're supposed to merge into the side of a semi).
- Woeps 2y ago
  When I'm driving trough Germany I always encounter at least one worker van going the speed of light and flashing the <insert sport car> for going to slow.

f1refly 2y ago

It's also a legal taboo, fyi

Woeps 2y ago
What? passing on the right in Germany? As far I can search (and recall) it's prohibited except on multilane roads (including the Autobahn) when traffic in the left lane is stopped or is moving at less than 60 km/h

cr1895 2y ago

>And with German lane discipline The number of big trucks hanging out in the left lane in the US drives me mad...

MisterTea 2y ago
Depends on the state. Many like NY have "No trucks in left lane" laws.