The autobahn has one of the best road safety records around, however, the culture does not tolerate distracted or entitled drivers that refuse to yield to faster moving cars.
This has to be referenced very carefully though.
If you have ever driven on, or seen what goes into making the Autobahn safe, its a very thorough system.
1) the roads are meant to take it. The infrastructure of the Autobahn is perfect. Not a crack in the pavement. The German transit authority keeps the Autobahn pristine so it can be safe at high speeds.. something the roads here lack greatly.
2) Currently, there is actually more Autobahn with speed limits then there is without. This is due to there being so many populated areas. Once you get to within a certain distance of a city, the speed limits come into play and they drop dramatically. Also, depending on what you drive, you are limited to certain speeds. For example Buses and large trucks can only go as fast as 50 mph. Add a trailer to your car? get used to 60 mph. Oh yea, in some parts, theres even slower speed limits for when it starts to rain.
3) Laws. There is a ton. Pass on the right? fine. Stay in the left lane while not overtaking? fine. Tires not up to snuff? fine. Break the speed limit.. big fine. Flash your lights at somebody in the left lane to get into the right? fine. The fines are big too and make the US fines look ridiculous. Speaking of money, it costs a great amount and a great deal of time to even get a license. It follows the general EU guidelines where you have to take driving courses for quite some time, then pay around $1000 total to finally get your license. It also takes a lot less to get your license taken away, and if it does you are done.
4) The autos. Autos sold in germany are limited to 155 mph. This is to prevent any person in his C63 AMG from blitzing through the highway at speeds that could over rate his tires and send him out of controll.
5) Speed cameras. Yep, they use them and have for years. They give you a fair warning that one is coming and the camera is in plain sight. they are spaced pretty closely too so you don't get any ideas of passing one and then flying afterwards. There is also the use of avg speed cameras through construction zones. There is a camera at the beginning of the zone, and at the end. If your average speed is higher then whats posted.. you are getting a hefty fine for endangering peoples lives.
6) The people. People drive correctly here. they do not weave in and out of traffic in urban areas where the speed limit is 55 mph. People are more responsible and know driving is a privilege. They also don't clog all the lanes of traffic and not allowing you to pass them.
This is why the Autobahn is safer. Not just because they let people speed at what ever they want. It is a closely monitored, watched, well kept system. Something that most Americans would probably complain about because of how watched it really is. But it is all in the name of safety, and it works.
