Die AutoBahn oder Bundesautobahn

The AutoBahn is Germany's federal highway system. Many Americans revel at the thought of a highway without speed limits… to put the pedal to the metal, stepping on it, giving her all she's got, or just being a bat out of hell. These describe what we, Americans may think of the AutoBahn. While cars do zip along on the AutoBahn, there is much more to it: logic, thought, balance, and working together as a system of drivers on the road. Also, there are plenty of posted speed limits: in town, near exits, interchanges, etc. However, on the open "interstate" where there is little reason to decelerate, you will find a crossed out speed limit sign as your last indication to proceed with necessary speed. Several other factors play into this equation. The roads are smooth like a fresh tortilla out of the oven. No potholes, no seams, no bumps. So, when you're in the middle lane doing 90-100 mph, and cars are singing by on your left, it just doesn't feel that fast. Second, with the price of gas somewhere around six dollars per gallon, you not only notice the land blurring as you slide past 100, but the gas needle moves much more quickly towards E. Going fast is not without cost (you also miss some beautiful scenery). It also depends on the make of your vehicle. While the speedometer showed up to 160 on the dash of our Ford vehicle (I forget the model as they don't make them in the US), there are clearly vehicles equipped to go much faster, and they do. I would estimate a Mercedes station wagon doing 180 or more along with a few Audi's and Porsches in the 180-200 range. However, they're not traveling at these speeds expecting to maintain it forever. They slow when traffic thickens, or cars are passing. They wait their turn, then accelerate back up to said speed. You stay in the far right lane, and only change lanes to pass (which is only done on the left). No one is ever weaving through traffic. Everyone obeys these basic principles (along with using their signals), and it makes for a pleasant, and efficient, driving experience. You check your mirrors often, stay alert, and pay attention to your surroundings. Wouldn't you if someone could pass on your left going over 200 mph? Zoom zoom.