Experts have recommended the introduction of an overall speed limit of 81 mph on German autobahns. The topic created a media frenzy while Germans are divided.
OMG, here we are again. In a report, commissioned by the government, experts have recommended the introduction of an overall speed limit of 130 km/h (or 81 mph) on German autobahns. Remember my post from last year? When I compared German’s love affair with cars with American’s passion for gun rights? Yep, the topic of speed limits created a media frenzy. Again.
Interestingly, the context for this speed limit on German highways differs from that of past proposals. The paper stressed that a lower speed limit significantly reduces CO2 emissions. In the past, the main argument has always been road safety. Several older and newer surveys have shown that reducing the speed to 81 mph impacts positively the number of accidents and the gravity of the injuries. Of course, the death toll decreases accordingly.
Have we reached the end of no speed limits on German autobahns?
Nevertheless, in the past, Germans were never ready to accept a speed limit. In Germany, cars are the Holy Grail of men: untouchable! Why bother to produce high-powered engines if you can’t drive them at their full capacity, right?
Thinking of a neighbor with a Porsche in his driveway, I’ve always wondered what the point of having a fast car is in Maryland. Here, speed is limited to a maximum of 70 mph–and that’s certainly not on the Beltway around DC! I’ve heard that in Montana, the maximum speed limit is 80 mph, and I know that a few other states offer the same privilege. Still, 80 mph is slow for a Porsche!
Soon after the report leaked in Der SPIEGEL (a leading German news magazine), Transport Secretary Andreas Scheuer denied any support for this measure with a blunt comment: a speed limit is against common sense. (Isn’t it funny that his department commissioned the study?)
What do Germans think about a general speed limit on autobahns?
Apparently, not as uniformly as Secretary Scheuer wants us to believe. The nation is divided. According to a survey by ARD (a leading TV channel), 51% support the recommendation while 47% opposed it. Nothing has changed in comparison to 2007, which was the last time the topic came up in the public discussion. Men are largely against the speed limit, and women generally support it.
Fun fact: supporters of the right-wing AFD and of the liberal party FDP oppose the idea. The Green and the Left parties support it. But, what are we talking about?
Around 70% of the German highways don’t have a speed limit. It may have changed during the last six years, but back when I lived in Germany, I used to speed between Francfort and Cologne at 180 km/h or 112 mph. I was NEVER the fastest driver. Since I’ve been living in the US, I’ve developed huge problems when driving in Germany. I’m not afraid of the speed since I feel that Germans are good drivers. Rather, I’m unable to go above 70 mph, which forces me to drive in the right-most lane, feeling old and dumb.
Every nation has its obsession. In the US, it’s gun rights. In Japan, whaling. In France, food. In Germany, it’s everything about cars.
Nothing will ever change the German driving culture, and I doubt that the recommendation to limit speed on the autobahns will ever become a law, even as a draft.
“Nothing will ever change the German driving culture, and I doubt that the recommendation to limit speed on the autobahns will ever become a law, even as a draft.”
Well, the times they are changing. Not only because of the “Green” part of our current government. A rising number of people doesn’t feel the need to own a car of their own. Car sharing and short time lease is about to become more and more popular.
And while in my generation (*1967) it was a common thing for young people to get their driver’s license asap – nowadays many youngsters are not that keen on this either.
Especially in metropolitan areas it’s much more sensible to use a combination of public transport and car sharing. Also many employers do buy monthly passes for public transport for their employees.
It is true that Germany is still a nation of car lovers – but i doubt that’ll still be the way we will be regarded in a few decades.
Even i, an old white man who loves a good an fast ride on the Autobahn, do prefer to go by train for long distances – cuz most of the time it’s faster and a lot more relaxing than driving on the Autobahn. And the german railway service may have it highs and lows – but it’s surely a lot better than the US railway.
I observe the same trend here but it’s limited to larger cities. Personally, I can’t wait till my children are in college and sell my car. I’m lucky to live in a suburb of Washington with excellent public transportation. If I need a car for a weekend getaway, I will rent one. Happy holidays!
On the way to Munich the Mercedes speedometer was dancing just over 240 but during the entire trip we were passed by 3 cars — all Porsche doing about 280. The radio traffic reports were very accurate and traffic was well ordered which allowed for operating at high speeds. Naturally, since even the forests are organized.
LOL!