Just for clarification. It's only the Autobahn that has no general speed limit in Germany. All other roads have (usually between 50 and 100 kmh). And even on the Autobahn there are a lot of local speed limits.

The driver training programs in Germany are much more comprehensive and actually teach people who to drive at high speeds. You actually have to demonstrate the ability to handle a vehicle in Germany before receiving your license. Germany's highways are also designed to handle vehicles traveling at high speeds.

The U.S. on the other hand allows any idiot to get behind the wheel and our highways are designed to handle as many cars as possible and only last about 7 years if I'm not mistaken.

Wouldn't that, in and of itself, prevent people from going fast? Why pass legislation against it?Because I'm in a hurry. Why do I have to make excuses to keep things from being illegal?Life is dangerous. What is your point? Nobody has the "guarantee" to not feel as if he or she is in danger.Sure, so what is your point? We might as well ban people from driving altogether, since the pedestrian that gets hit and killed won't care that there is a speed limit supposedly designed to protect him. Did everyone in Germany go retarded or something? Are you telling me people will just start crashing on purpose simply because there is no longer a speed limit?

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If a neocon whines about big government wealth redistribution, just ask him what he thinks about the portion of that big government that sends aid to Israel.

Very good point. Before I was allowed to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle in my employment I had to undertake a week's training course. They are very different from a car.

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"There were no D-Day Heroes in 1973" - Cold Chisel Khe Sanh

Same in Australia I'm afraid. Time and time again experts point out that road safety can be improved with formal driver training but since it would be expensive for the individual our governments shy away from mandating it. The Germans are very sensible in having that programme in place.

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"There were no D-Day Heroes in 1973" - Cold Chisel Khe Sanh

From memory I think it was the lane nearest the centre that was the unrestricted lane. I never used it, I just hugged the right lane and mixed it with the trucks and campervans such as the one I drove.

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"There were no D-Day Heroes in 1973" - Cold Chisel Khe Sanh

All expressways in Germany with only two lanes in each direction (which is most of them) should have reasonable speed limits, say 150 km/h. Its too dangerous with very fast driving cars and so many slow moving trucks and buses on the two lane stretches. Rural expressways with 3 lanes in each direction need no speed limits, since the traffic moves a lot smoother there.

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It all comes down to this on election day: Are you a racist, or do you look down on spastics?

No, when there is no local speed limit, there is no limit on either lane. It's just that you may only overtake on the left lane. You must not overtake on the right. Thats why usually the fast cars go on the left lanes and the trucks and slow moving cars usually go on the right.

There may be better training to get a driving license in Germany. But less experienced drivers often avoid the Autobahn or are afraid and only go on the right lane along with the slow moving trucks. Usually there is too much traffic to go very fast anyway. Overall it's not that bad that you risk your life all the time. The problem IMHO is that some guys with their BMWs, Mercedes or Porsches think they are on a racing track. And when those guys get into conflict with slow moving or less experienced or unaware drivers, then it's getting dangerous.

I liked Naples. Total chaos. Works for me

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"There were no D-Day Heroes in 1973" - Cold Chisel Khe Sanh

When I spent several days in Germany a few years back, I kept my speed down to US levels until I was more comfortable with the roads, the signage, etc. Unfortuantely, by the time I was ready to Really drive fast, traffic only allowed me 200 kph, and that was only briefly to say I'd done it.

I drive what conditions allow. There is a town road not too far from my house that I can sometimes comfortably do 100 kph/60 mph, except for the possibilty of getting a ticket. It's wider than most, sparsely populated, and oftentimes has very little traffic. On smaller streets like are common in Europe or big city neighborhoods, or when children are around, or weather is not ideal, or I'm tired, or traffic is too heavy, I have no problem driving below the limit if appropriate. It's all about sensible driving rather than dictated driving.

While I oppose speed limits, that policy doesn't mix well with the 'open door' license policy. Perhaps something like initial licensees are limited to X mph/kph? I think I remember that being the case in France once upon a time. And/or or more stringent penalties for abuse and/or licensing requirements.

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Today's forecast: Government corruption.

Tomorrow's forecast: 100% chance of more 'politics as usual'

Maybe it's finally time to vote Libertarian

You're answering your questions yourself, you'd always find a reason to go fast and it's just a matter of fact that accidents are more likely to happen when you're driving a certain speed.
Would you like to have cars passing by your house with 150 MPH ?
Would you have time to stop for a playing kid ?
If you're allowed to drive as fast as you want you a going, well at least trying to take advantage of that and rush hour is going to be a whole lot of fun.
Besides are there too many traffic lights and corners and a harsh braking is not especially helpful

And I'm sure you are more likely to be in a car crash if you are driving as opposed to walking. What is your point?Would I like it? No. Would I particularly care? No. But I sure as hell wouldn't pass legislation against it just because I don't like it.Why? Is he selling gasoline or something? Why would I stop for him? Is he hitching a ride or something?Why do you assume that if it is legalized, people will all of a sudden start wearing their tires down? It's not like we are passing legislation that will pay for the tires of everyone in the country.

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If a neocon whines about big government wealth redistribution, just ask him what he thinks about the portion of that big government that sends aid to Israel.

America is the Nanny Country.America is like your parents of the world.Heres an Example

This is your Mommy

This is Your Daddy

This is Your Uncle

This is your Grand Mommy

This is your Grand Daddy

These are our Children

It figures, but American highways/freeways dont look like they take good driving skills to ride on either.

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It all comes down to this on election day: Are you a racist, or do you look down on spastics?

But we have a speed limit on our autobahn: light speed! That's enough.

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Scientia et potentia humana in idem coincidunt, quia ignoratio causae destituit effectum
Sir Francis Bacon

On ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux
Antoine de Saint-Exupery