Random Observations: Autobahn Trivia

Autobahn Trivia

Fun | February 14, 2003 | Tim

We all knew Germans are allowed to drive as fast as possible on the autobahn highway. But I didn't know...

Hitler originally had plans for the road to go into "greater Germany" -- e.g. nations to be conquered -- all the way to Moscow.
Passing on the left is illegal.
One is not allowed to do anything other than drive. German-made cars originally didn't include cup-holders -- why would you drive and drink at the same time?
Insulting someone while driving is a criminal offense, called "Insult". Insult can be prosecuted at the request of the 'victim'. Minimum fine is $500.
It is illegal to run out of gas on the autobahn.
According to statistics, the autobahn is safer than our highways.

Hey, I'm all for it, given the same limits and social/legal safeguards... Until then, I'll drive sane with the rest of the pack.

Cribbed from the History Channel special on the same.

Comments

If people could obey simple rules regarding driving like not hanging out in the left lane, and leaving room between vehicles, we wouldn't need nearly as many 3, 4, and 5 lane highways.

Lane choice is NOT arbitrary.

Posted by: harry on February 14, 2003 11:50 AM

Tim,

Passing on the RIGHT is illegal on the Autobahn. Slower cars MUST drive in the right lane. Regular traffic is in the center lanes. The far left lane is called "the passing lane".

Posted by: Bill Bailey on February 15, 2003 07:34 PM

Bill,

Did I say "left?" Whoops, that was a typo. I meant to say right. Thank you for correcting me!

There are supposed to be laws like that here, also, but they are never enforced. As a result, driving is a mess! I think the Germans have the right idea about how go drive from one place to another.

Thanks!
- Tim

Posted by: tim on February 16, 2003 06:35 PM

why cant we drive fast like that

Posted by: justin on February 2, 2005 10:05 AM

i'm sure the comment about passing on the left is correct, since they are driving on the opposite side of the road, so it would be like passing on the right for us.

Posted by: ivan on May 9, 2005 11:55 PM

Actually, the Germans drive on the same side of the road as us. There are only a few countries were driving on the left side is the norm. I think Japan and England but not germany.

Posted by: Chris on October 10, 2005 07:31 AM

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