[NMFXSTC]

Thye author makes sense!

Germany, for example, sets speed limits only in areas that actually need a limit because of conditions. They also have the three lanes of major autobahns clearly marked with speed MINIMUMS (right lane is 60 kpg, middle is 90 and laft lane is 100 kph MINIMUM!

Germany also has stringent requirements for drivers' licenses adn vehicle registration (you learn the road rules and demonstrate competetnce behind the wheel) and you'll not see any beat up, smoking, broken glass (or plastic taped in place of glass), no lights, bald tire rust heaps there...they haul them off the road! Insurance is mandatory...or jail time results!

Overall, this nation needs to look at speed limits, vehicle registrations, and insurance. It has become a joke in this country!

[FreedomFriend]

Do we really need to care what Germany does?

[Myrddin]

I've driven plenty in Germany on the autobahn. You see two situations. Fast cars with not a scratch and accidents where all involved are dead with totally destroyed vehicles. I have yet to see an in between case. The damned big trucks make travel a chore. Fortunately, there are "no truck" days during the week.

The Germans are so hung up on finally earning a driver's license that you will find cards celebrating the acquistion of the "Fuehrerschein" at most card shops. Frankly, I think they all drive like teenagers with hot Corvette. I'm thankful to be finished with my contract work there. It was an interesting experience.

[yawningotter]

The problem with American drivers is they think of driving as a right and not a privilege that bears responsibilities. Here, anybody with a beat up Chevette or some land barge from the '60s thinks that they can drive anywhere at any speed, whether it be too fast or too slow. Ideally, a drivers license should be something that is awarded to those who have proven that they are capable drivers (and not just with a short test and a trip around the block)and they have a car that is safe. Allowing unsafe drivers in unsafe cars on the roads can get a lot of people killed.