Autobahn Stinger

[TV3]

 

[Bear]

I was just in Germany visiting family a week ago. Their minivan was only able to push 100mph/160kmh. Wish I had my Stinger there to push its limits. Saw countless Audi’s and Mercedes doing at least 120-140mph past us.

I’m jealous!

 

[ScottM]

Wholly wow batman!!! Now that's white knuckle driving!!

 

[Sensibly Spirited Driver]

Wholly wow batman!!! Now that's white knuckle driving!!

It's actually quite pleasant, and less white knuckle than driving 60mph in Washington State. The drivers in Seattle are ranked 181st out of 200 in US cities. In Germany, people drive much better (getting a license is much more intensive). Most importantly, people generally do not move to the left lane unless they are passing, and they don't attempt to pass if it would impede oncoming traffic. They are trained to look for torpedos. When I was in Germany, the car I rented on the way to the Nürburgring was capped at 140mph, which was quite frustrating. Once I got to the 'Ring, though, and rented my track car, I felt better. Anyway, on the unrestricted sections of German highways ("autobahn" just means highway in German), cruising at 150mph is pleasant and safe. They have far fewer fatal accidents in the areas without speed limits than we have with them. Montana is a good example. Before they introduced speed limits in the 90's, their fatalities were lower. They nearly doubled once speed limits were put in place. For safety, speed limits on highways are terrible. The only reason to have them is to increase city revenue. If you're curious why it's safer without a speed limit, the answer is simple. There is no road rage, and people check before changing lanes. Simple.

 

[SonomaGT]

People in Germany actually have licenses, unlike some in California. Nice video - thanks for sharing!

 

[phxgt]

To Sensible above...I would add another reason for fewer accidents with either a higher or no limit. The speed driven on the road becomes what is comfortable for the type of road it is. A well maintained 4 Lane highway with longer stretches of straight cruising lends itself to higher speeds than narrow two lane roads. Which leads to higher driver attentiveness.

 

[Sensibly Spirited Driver]

To Sensible above...I would add another reason for fewer accidents with either a higher or no limit. The speed driven on the road becomes what is comfortable for the type of road it is. A well maintained 4 Lane highway with longer stretches of straight cruising lends itself to higher speeds than narrow two lane roads. Which leads to higher driver attentiveness.

Yes, higher driver attentiveness is the key. On the unrestricted sections of highway in Germany, for example, most people drive around 90-100MPH, then you have a lot of "left lane" people doing 150MPH, and then you get the torpedos doing 200+MPH. So, with a significantly greater variation in speeds, people are much more attentive. That translates into better driving throughout Germany. The roads there are much more narrow than the US, but that was fine. In the US, we have huge lanes, and yet people can't stay in them. Cars even have "lane assist" now, that's how bad it is. I felt comfortable in Germany because, despite the much more narrow lanes, I knew people were watching what they were doing.

 

[ScottM]

It's actually quite pleasant, and less white knuckle than driving 60mph in Washington State. The drivers in Seattle are ranked 181st out of 200 in US cities. In Germany, people drive much better (getting a license is much more intensive). Most importantly, people generally do not move to the left lane unless they are passing, and they don't attempt to pass if it would impede oncoming traffic. They are trained to look for torpedos. When I was in Germany, the car I rented on the way to the Nürburgring was capped at 140mph, which was quite frustrating. Once I got to the 'Ring, though, and rented my track car, I felt better. Anyway, on the unrestricted sections of German highways ("autobahn" just means highway in German), cruising at 150mph is pleasant and safe. They have far fewer fatal accidents in the areas without speed limits than we have with them. Montana is a good example. Before they introduced speed limits in the 90's, their fatalities were lower. They nearly doubled once speed limits were put in place. For safety, speed limits on highways are terrible. The only reason to have them is to increase city revenue. If you're curious why it's safer without a speed limit, the answer is simple. There is no road rage, and people check before changing lanes. Simple.

I like the points you've made. I'm in!! Who do I need to talk to about getting rid of these pesky speed limits in Vegas?!

 

[Sensibly Spirited Driver]

I like the points you've made. I'm in!! Who do I need to talk to about getting rid of these pesky speed limits in Vegas?!

The governor, the mayor, and a huge warehouse full of cash. If paid enough, they'll care about safety and do away with limits on highways. Just leave enough money to pay some of the troopers--who'll put a target on your back when made redundant.

Here's an in-depth look at how Montana's highway fatalities doubled after they added a speed limit: https://www.motorists.org/press/montana-no-speed-limit-safety-paradox/

A guy sued the state of Montana for his $5 speeding ticket, and it led to us losing "the last best place" to drive in America. I guess that was a situation where sometimes it's wrong to be right. But hey, 80 is better than 60, and you've got 80 on I-80 in Nevada, so it's not all bad.

 

[ScottM]

I guess I shouldn't complain too much. Nevada does have it's spots for speed.

 

[jdogonroad]

Check out the gas tank level at beginning versus the level at the end.