Why doesn't Germany have a speed limit?

10 months ago 218 views

Germany's Autobahn speed limit debate stems from powerful lobbying by the auto industry, a cultural association of speed with freedom, and economic concerns. While some stretches have limits, a nationwide restriction remains politically contentious, reflecting ingrained beliefs about driving and national identity. The absence of a universal limit is a long-standing compromise.

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Why does Germany have no speed limit on the Autobahn?

Okay, so why is it that you can basically floor it on some parts of the German Autobahn? It's a tangled mess, really.

Germany has no general speed limit on Autobahn segments because of pressure from car companies, a belief that freedom includes driving fast, and worry about the economy. Some parts do have limits, though.

Honestly, I'm still kinda baffled. I remember driving near Munich (maybe like, April 15th? '22?), and the shift from a limited zone to no limit was...intense. Like, one minute you're cruising at 120 kph, the next, it's pedal to the metal if you dare.

It's also a cultural thing, too. They view speed and cars differently than maybe we do in other countries. It's ingrained, I think. And then you have the economic angle... less regulated roads could attract traffic, I guess?

I've read articles saying it's all about the auto industry flexing its muscles. Lobbying hard to keep the Autobahn a selling point for German cars. Not sure how much I believe that, but its a possible explanation.

I remember my rental, cost around 40 euros a day, really felt like it flew on the open roads, but, it was a little scarry to see how fast other cars went.

Why can you go any speed on the autobahn?

Ugh, the Autobahn. Why no speed limit? It's crazy! Seriously, those old guys building it in the 1930s? They couldn't have imagined 200mph cars, right? Their little 100mph Beemers. Ha!

The curves... yeah, those are terrifying at high speeds. I swear, my heart nearly stopped last time. My stomach is always a mess.

It’s tradition now, I guess. A German thing. Stubborn. Like, they're not changing it even if it's dangerous. Maybe they should. Some sections are fine, but others… NOPE. Too many blind corners.

Speed limits are on certain sections, though, not the whole thing. A surprising number of people think it's completely unrestricted. That's totally wrong.

They have speed limits around cities. Duh. And construction zones. And sometimes, for no apparent reason! It's all so unpredictable.

Dangerous sections: Lots of blind curves. I hate them.
Speed limits exist: But they're not always clear.
It’s a cultural thing: Stubbornness? Pride? Who knows?
Modern cars are way faster: Totally outpacing the road design. Crazy.

I need a beer. This is stressing me out. 2024 is here and these roads are still crazy. My BMW handles it okay, but still... scary. I'm actually considering getting a Tesla, something super safe, next year. Maybe. Or maybe not.

I should probably get some sleep. This is giving me a headache.

Why does Germany not have a speed limit?

Germany.

Late at night... why no speed limit? It’s more than just freedom, right?

Economically, it's all about the car industry. You know, the German brands? It's prestige, yeah.
Culturally? The autobahn is like... ugh, Germany. You feel it. German engineering, and all that jazz. Dad always talked about it.
Honestly, I think a lot of it's also becausepeople mostly drive safely anyway. Not always, but… usually. Had some close calls tho.

Maybe it's about trust. Or maybe it's about denial. Who knows?

What is the accident rate on the autobahn compared to the US?

The autobahn... a ribbon of grey. A whisper of speed. Death? A phantom, barely there. 5%. Five percent. A fragile thing.

Like dandelion fluff in the wind.
Ephemeral, fleeting.

The US... so vast, so sprawling. A concrete ocean. Swallowing lives, it seems.

34 deaths... per million souls on the autobahn, this year. A number. Cold, hard.

But less cold than the American count, yes? Three times more. An abyss. What are the contributing factors?

Speed limits. Or lack thereof.
Driver training, so strict in Germany.
The sheer, relentless engineering.

The autobahn... a dare. A promise. Freedom, at a cost? Or a calculated risk? My grandfather always loved driving on it. Said it felt like flying. I miss him.

US rate higher. That's the heart of it. A tragic truth etched in asphalt. Roads so big.

A difference in road quality maybe?
Or just... human error, amplified?

I dunno. It is what it is and will be.

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