And, German drivers actually have to prove competence after a long and expensive license process. I’d put a “bad” German driver up against a crazy, passing in the slow lane faster than conditions driver in The States any day. In Germany, if you block the fast lane, ticket. Drink a big gulp while driving, ticket. Drive too fast for conditions, ticket. Then there are the vehicle inspections that would put half of American used cars in the crusher..
Lived in Switzerland and drove the autobahn quite a bit. I’ve been passed while driving 140 mph (daylight, clear road - very long sight lines), highest I ever drove was 150 though my wife was very unhappy (the kids loved it). Great roads, built for people that can follow the rules and avoid getting into accidents. My understanding was that if you were in an accident, you lost your driver’s license for life.
Where they had limits, strictly enforced. I received one German ticket - photo, for something like 40 in a 35 zone (rural road). Cameras were all over. The Swiss really liked their cameras, and were very strict.
“And, German drivers actually have to prove competence after a long and expensive license process.”
That’s true. I and the people with me were also blown away by every taxi and bus being Mercedes-Benz.
We were staying in Munich and taking trips from there.