We Need An American Autobahn - Page 3

Iroczlover · 08-29-2009, 02:01 PM

I thought that was I-5 from Exit 88 to Salem OR at least it is for us when we go down to reno lol

CamaroScotty · 08-29-2009, 02:01 PM

We have one - it's called the Illinois State tollway!!!!

Revo1 · 08-29-2009, 02:21 PM

Hell yeah we do!

Croatcamaro2010 · 08-29-2009, 02:34 PM

america needs an autobahn like it needs another political party, no way, too many morons on the road already, and cars will have to be redesigned to crash at higher speeds, german cars that go on their autobahn are designed to crash at insane speeds and protect the drivers, theres no way that would work here, the fed would have to raise standards and cars would just cost too much

stretchfe · 08-29-2009, 02:51 PM

The philosophy would have to change. EU drivers with high performance cars don't spend as much time flipping through radio stations, talking on the phone, or doing other stupid $hit while they're doing 150+mph. Many American drivers feel they have the "right" to be stupid while they drive. I've looked but I still can't find anything in the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights that allows people to text on the interstate...

/end rant

Speedfreak · 08-29-2009, 10:50 PM

I am all for it.

Hell I-75 in my area, you get run off the road if you are not doing 85. I routinly drive 95 - 105 with occasional burst to .................

AngryAmish · 08-30-2009, 01:13 AM

The driving laws here drive me nuts. 25, 35, or 55 mostly. Luckily, the driving laws I think drive the Cops just as nuts as us.

I've been ticketed once in 16 years of driving. While I don't flat out break every rule in the book, I've been known to bend them from time to time.

My new Camaro · 08-30-2009, 01:38 AM

THE PLUS SIDE IS MOST OF THE IDIOT DRIVERS WOULD BE DEAD SHORTLY AFTER THE GRAND OPENING THEN THE REST OF US COULD ROLL ON

AngryAmish · 08-30-2009, 01:50 AM

cab2g · 08-30-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroScotty

We have one - it's called the Illinois State tollway!!!!

you must not drive on any of the tollways between 5AM and 8PM because there's too many slow grandmas in the left lane

Andro · 08-30-2009, 07:58 AM

Um "we" as in the general american public first need to know how to drive. I have lived in europe for over five years and with speeds that they drive there would make it a deadly mix here in the states. Just my two cents

Kurt_OH · 08-30-2009, 09:00 AM

An American Autobahn would work here just like it works in Germany. The gist of it is that ALL major highways in Germany are "Autobahns" in the sense that almost all the "A" (major highways, like our Interstate) roads have rural sections with unlimited speed. As you approach major metro areas, the speeds ARE restricted, and in fact it seems to me, are MORE restrictive than here.

As for cooperation, I do agree on that point, but I think part of it is the fact that you're allowed to go fast, and trained to get in the slow lane whenever you're not passing. Here, folks think they're performing a civic duty, or at least they rationalize their passive-aggressive driving in that way, by becoming a left lane loafing, rolling roadblock at/near the speed limit.

What you see going fast most on the Autobahn is Mercedes, BMW and Audi, and a significant number of them are the high horsepower "station wagons" that are so popular over there.

The typical scenario is that you're in the left lane, of a divided, four lane (2 per direction) highway, and you see someone in your lane up ahead. Typically, they'll notice you and get over at their first opportunity, which is usually quickly because they can just speed up to get around whomever is next to them. If they don't notice you, you can put your left signal on, or blink your brights. In over 500 miles over 2 days, I never had an incident where slower cars wouldn't get out of the way promptly, and usually without any blinking from me. You still need to take care when rapidly overtaking cars in EITHER lane; you never know when someone in the middle of a line of cars in the slow lane will pop out not seeing you.

It's not the crazy, top speed banzai run mecca that some think. Most people are just getting to wherever they're going, on the highway, at a speed they feel is safe/comfortable. Typically in my (limited) experience, the "slow" lane averaged about 85mph with trucks somewhat slower, and the "fast" lane averaged about 120mph. The fastest we went was about 140, and there were only a couple cars going that fast. Didn't see any Ferraris, Lambos, or 911Ts doing 200mph runs or anything, and in fact, it would almost be out of character. I'm sure it happens, and it's fun, but it's just not the norm.

Aren't there still a FEW spots like in Montana or west Texas without speed limits?

One last thing; the German driver's license process isn't the "take a class, take a stupid written and driving test that anyone can pass, and then rubber stamp them a license" process that we use here. It's expensive, time consuming and challenging. The American process is a joke designed to get as many people driving, as cheaply and quickly as possible. There's zero effort to actually train or prepare a person, and zero effort to restrict access to those with an appropriate temperament or mental capacity.

It may take a "tiered" license system here . . . such as you are restricted from the American Autobahn without the AB endorsement on your license.

Capstone · 08-30-2009, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt_OH

One last thing; the German driver's license process isn't the "take a class, take a stupid written and driving test that anyone can pass, and then rubber stamp them a license" process that we use here. It's expensive, time consuming and challenging. The American process is a joke designed to get as many people driving, as cheaply and quickly as possible. There's zero effort to actually train or prepare a person, and zero effort to restrict access to those with an appropriate temperament or mental capacity.

It may take a "tiered" license system here . . . such as you are restricted from the American Autobahn without the AB endorsement on your license.

I personally think that a tiered license program should already be in place with people that want to drive on existing interstates with speeds that regularly exceed 70mph. Much like a CDL, these people should have to pass a performance driving course. It's getting to the point now where the cars performance outpaces the capability of the drivers on the road and all the "distraction technology" (cell phones, texting ect) that's invading our society is starting to kill (yeah I said KILL) our young people while driving.

LikaRokBowTie · 08-30-2009, 09:49 AM

Very good points,I have driven on both the autobahn and autostrada now this was 1982-84 and I drove a Fiat so there was no crazy fast driving for me
The thing that has changed for drivers on those roads is traffic just like here to many friggin people,I think,well know that to many people don't work or something because how can so many people be on the roads at 10,11 in the AM.Well let me get to the point the safety police are not going to let anyone have fun driving their 40,000 or 250,000 sports car above what they see as a safe speed because we all know we don't know better than they do and plus that would take tax money away from paying interest on our monumental debt
or other worldwide welfare programs,so get those crazy autobahn thoughts out of your head and you wont' get a visit from those guys in the black suits and sunglasses that hide their eyes so well

08-29-2009, 02:21 PM	#31
Revo1 Don't Like it? Suggit. Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Fresno, CA Posts: 14,832 View My Garage	Hell yeah we do! __________________ "Tops off, tach up baby- loud and proud!" A Camaro lover from day one- 1996 3.8 V6 Camaro, to 1996 5.7 LT1 Camaro Z28, to the sold 2002 5.7 LS1 Camaro SS, and NOW, a [I]6.2 L99 VR 2SS/RS: XS Power stainless full exhaust, Airaid CAI, BMR drop springs and sways, custom tune by Cal Speed- 411rwhp

08-30-2009, 07:58 AM	#39
Andro NOICE!!! ™ Drives: Force Fed 427 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: GOT BOOST? Posts: 5,213 View My Garage	Um "we" as in the general american public first need to know how to drive. I have lived in europe for over five years and with speeds that they drive there would make it a deadly mix here in the states. Just my two cents __________________

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08-29-2009, 02:34 PM	#32
Croatcamaro2010 Drives: '10 Camaro RS 1LT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Saint Louis Posts: 322 View My Garage	america needs an autobahn like it needs another political party, no way, too many morons on the road already, and cars will have to be redesigned to crash at higher speeds, german cars that go on their autobahn are designed to crash at insane speeds and protect the drivers, theres no way that would work here, the fed would have to raise standards and cars would just cost too much

08-29-2009, 02:51 PM	#33
stretchfe Drives: 2SS/RS Black/Orange Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 98	The philosophy would have to change. EU drivers with high performance cars don't spend as much time flipping through radio stations, talking on the phone, or doing other stupid $hit while they're doing 150+mph. Many American drivers feel they have the "right" to be stupid while they drive. I've looked but I still can't find anything in the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights that allows people to text on the interstate... /end rant

08-29-2009, 10:50 PM	#34
Speedfreak Drives: 1999 30th Anniversary Trans Am Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 681	I am all for it. Hell I-75 in my area, you get run off the road if you are not doing 85. I routinly drive 95 - 105 with occasional burst to .................

08-30-2009, 01:13 AM	#35
AngryAmish Drives: Impala Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 813	The driving laws here drive me nuts. 25, 35, or 55 mostly. Luckily, the driving laws I think drive the Cops just as nuts as us. I've been ticketed once in 16 years of driving. While I don't flat out break every rule in the book, I've been known to bend them from time to time.

08-30-2009, 01:38 AM	#36
My new Camaro Drives: 2500 hd Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: AR Posts: 297	THE PLUS SIDE IS MOST OF THE IDIOT DRIVERS WOULD BE DEAD SHORTLY AFTER THE GRAND OPENING THEN THE REST OF US COULD ROLL ON

08-30-2009, 01:50 AM	#37
AngryAmish Drives: Impala Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 813

08-30-2009, 09:00 AM	#40
Kurt_OH Member Drives: BMW, Hyundai Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 192 View My Garage	An American Autobahn would work here just like it works in Germany. The gist of it is that ALL major highways in Germany are "Autobahns" in the sense that almost all the "A" (major highways, like our Interstate) roads have rural sections with unlimited speed. As you approach major metro areas, the speeds ARE restricted, and in fact it seems to me, are MORE restrictive than here. As for cooperation, I do agree on that point, but I think part of it is the fact that you're allowed to go fast, and trained to get in the slow lane whenever you're not passing. Here, folks think they're performing a civic duty, or at least they rationalize their passive-aggressive driving in that way, by becoming a left lane loafing, rolling roadblock at/near the speed limit. What you see going fast most on the Autobahn is Mercedes, BMW and Audi, and a significant number of them are the high horsepower "station wagons" that are so popular over there. The typical scenario is that you're in the left lane, of a divided, four lane (2 per direction) highway, and you see someone in your lane up ahead. Typically, they'll notice you and get over at their first opportunity, which is usually quickly because they can just speed up to get around whomever is next to them. If they don't notice you, you can put your left signal on, or blink your brights. In over 500 miles over 2 days, I never had an incident where slower cars wouldn't get out of the way promptly, and usually without any blinking from me. You still need to take care when rapidly overtaking cars in EITHER lane; you never know when someone in the middle of a line of cars in the slow lane will pop out not seeing you. It's not the crazy, top speed banzai run mecca that some think. Most people are just getting to wherever they're going, on the highway, at a speed they feel is safe/comfortable. Typically in my (limited) experience, the "slow" lane averaged about 85mph with trucks somewhat slower, and the "fast" lane averaged about 120mph. The fastest we went was about 140, and there were only a couple cars going that fast. Didn't see any Ferraris, Lambos, or 911Ts doing 200mph runs or anything, and in fact, it would almost be out of character. I'm sure it happens, and it's fun, but it's just not the norm. Aren't there still a FEW spots like in Montana or west Texas without speed limits? One last thing; the German driver's license process isn't the "take a class, take a stupid written and driving test that anyone can pass, and then rubber stamp them a license" process that we use here. It's expensive, time consuming and challenging. The American process is a joke designed to get as many people driving, as cheaply and quickly as possible. There's zero effort to actually train or prepare a person, and zero effort to restrict access to those with an appropriate temperament or mental capacity. It may take a "tiered" license system here . . . such as you are restricted from the American Autobahn without the AB endorsement on your license.

08-30-2009, 09:49 AM	#42
LikaRokBowTie Drives: 221SS1LE Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: on your 6 Posts: 986	Very good points,I have driven on both the autobahn and autostrada now this was 1982-84 and I drove a Fiat so there was no crazy fast driving for me The thing that has changed for drivers on those roads is traffic just like here to many friggin people,I think,well know that to many people don't work or something because how can so many people be on the roads at 10,11 in the AM.Well let me get to the point the safety police are not going to let anyone have fun driving their 40,000 or 250,000 sports car above what they see as a safe speed because we all know we don't know better than they do and plus that would take tax money away from paying interest on our monumental debt or other worldwide welfare programs,so get those crazy autobahn thoughts out of your head and you wont' get a visit from those guys in the black suits and sunglasses that hide their eyes so well