Drive on the Autobahn
From Wired How-To Wiki
If you're a gearhead, chances are you've dreamed of merging onto the legendary Autobahn to try your hand at some of the world's only stretches of road without speed limits.
While the German highway system has a reputation as a no-holds-barred public racetrack where speed limits are left in the dust by BMWs and Porsches weaving in and out of traffic, the Autobahn (translated, "motorway") is actually quite highly regulated. Laws and traditions ensure a relatively free-flow of traffic and keep accidents and fatalities to a minimum.
Below, Wired.com's Autopia blog offers some hints for driving the Autobahn. It's a paradoxical roadway where freedom and responsibility intersect, and where obeying the rules is the best way to enjoy one of the world's most unique driving experiences.
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Mind the Speed Limits
While the most famous stretches of the Autobahn begin with the five diagonal stripes of the round "End all Restrictions" sign, much of the highway system is regulated. One third of the Autobahn features speed limits between 50 and 80 mph, while speed limits may be even lower in construction zones. Large trucks and cars without appropriate high-speed tires must wear a scarlet letter of shame indicating their own maximum speed limits. Even the unrestricted areas have a speed advisory: If you're involved in an accident and you were exceeding 80 mph, you (or your estate) may be liable for damages even if you weren't at fault.
Know Your Lanes
It's a rule we'd love to see enforced on highways in the US: Pass on the left, drive on the right. If you pass a slow-moving car on the right, both you and the lane-hog will probably get tickets. Drive on the left when the right lane is free, and you'll need the Berlitz Guide to German for Law Enforcement.
Even the emergency lane has one hard and fast rule: no stopping unless it's an actual emergency. You'll even get fined if you run out of gas, since it's a preventable occurrence.
Don't Drive Like a Jerk
If you spend any time on the Autobahn, chances are you'll see Audis, BMWs and Porsches marked Autobahnpolizei. What you probably won't see are the cameras and unmarked cars searching for hoons passing on the right or aggressively tailgating.
That is, you won't see them until one pulls you over for driving 2 Fast 2 Furious on a public roadway. German law prohibits coercion -- driving that's either aggressive or intended to intimidate other motorists. If you play pace car by hogging the passing lane, weave in and out of heavy traffic or otherwise drive in an impolite manner, prepare yourself for a hefty fine or even a license suspension.
If you encounter an accident scene or stopped traffic, throw on your flashers. That's a technique we'd like to see catch on stateside. After all, there's a reason your European car has a giant hazard light switch on the dash.
And for the love of Gott, don't even think about using a cell phone. It's illegal, your insurance carrier could void your policy if you're caught yakking while driving and the Autobahnpolizei will be sure to look at your phone records if you're involved in an accident.
Stay Alert
Unlike stretches of roadway in the US where artificially low speed limits anticipate inclement weather or heavy merging traffic, over 2,200 miles of the Autobahn feature "dynamic speed limits" posted on electronic signs that adjust according to traffic flow and weather.
Even if the speed limit is constant (or nonexistent) you'll have to pay attention. That Porsche might be a speck in your rear view mirror now, but if it's doing 140 on a straightaway you should probably move over before you become a hood ornament. A quick flash of the high beams is an acceptable way to let another driver know you're ready to pass, but if you're poking along expect a rear view mirror full of more flashing lights than a Berlin club.
Take a Break
Driving at high speeds for long distances requires the utmost concentration. As a result, the Autobahn has an extensive network of rest areas, or Raststätten, with places for a weary driver to rest about every 35 miles. Facilities range from simple filling stations to hotels with restaurants that serve alcohol. Still, frequent Autobahn travelers at Getting Around Germany report lower prices at service stations located on feeder roads.
Originally submitted by Autopia staff writer Keith Barry.
This page was last modified 23:30, 18 September 2009 by howto_admin.
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