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glitchc 6 days ago

A good comparison point would be Germany. It has a very large network of roads too, some designed for very high speeds, and a strong driving culture (perhaps stronger than the continental US).

kunwon1 6 days ago | parent [-]

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 6 days ago | parent | next [-]

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 6 days ago | parent | next [-]

>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 6 days ago | parent [-]

The qualifications to drive in some states are barely more than ability to breathe.

jcadam 6 days ago | parent | prev [-]

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 5 days ago | parent [-]

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.

cr1895 6 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

>And with German lane discipline

The number of big trucks hanging out in the left lane in the US drives me mad...

MisterTea 6 days ago | parent [-]

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

f1refly 6 days ago | parent | prev [-]

It's also a legal taboo, fyi

Woeps 5 days ago | parent [-]

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