The German autobahn is a system of federal controlled highways in Germany with practically no speed limit. It is known to have a total length of about 13,000km. Like highways in other countries, it has multiple lanes in each direction seperated by a double central barrier strong enough to withstand crash from accident and most importantly to prevent head-on collision. Also, entry and exits are usually on the right side of the road.

However in some cases, there are certain areas of the road with ongoing repair works or accident prone have specified soeed limits or in some extreme cases due to weather conditions.

Surprisingly, the autobahn is far safer compared with the highways in the US and other European countries and have recorded lower accident rates. There are a number of reasons for this.

1. Driver education and cost of licence: As it is the norm, all licenced drivers are expected to go through extensive training in an approved driving school with qualified and certified driving instructors. The student is expected to have completed theory & practical tests. The training vehicles are special with dual control with extra mirrors and pedals to enable the instructor get control of the vehicle in certain dangerous situations.

The total cost of obtaining a driving license is between €1400-€2000. You would be shocked to realize that in some countries like Norway and Luxemborg it could be nearly twice the amount. So any who spent such money would be mindful not to violate traffic laws as you could risk loosing your license.

2. Traffic rules and enforcement. The autobahn has clear road signs and markings which convey clear instructions to the road users. As a rule, you keep to the right and can use the left only when you want to overtake. You can never overtake from the right. No eating and drinking while driving, no talking on the mobile phone, no multitasking. The traffic laws are enforced by the highway patrolmen who sometimes use unmarked police vehicles fitted with special gadgets and cameras. Also at some points in the roads are secretly placed cameras to constantly look out for traffic offenders. When caught, you are slammed with very high fines and even loss of your license.

3. Periodic maintenance: The autobahn is twice the thickness of the highway in the US which is about 27in of asphalt. Maintenance of the roads is constant. Once a single crack is noticed prompt repair works are carried out. You can’t afford to have potholes on a road where you could cruise at high speed.

It is very important to note that the autobahn has greatly influenced the design of German automobiles as they are extensively tested at high speed. That is why German vehicles are incredibly fast, easy to maneuver and shaped to save life in the event of an accident.


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