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    How good are American roads?

    (www.construction-physics.com)
    193 points chmaynard | 11 comments | 20 Nov 24 14:45 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source | bottom
    1. glitchc ◴[20 Nov 24 15:57 UTC] No.42195086[source]▶
    A good comparison point would be Germany. It has a very large network of roads too, some designed for very high speeds, and a strong driving culture (perhaps stronger than the continental US).
    replies(1): >>42196291 #
    2. kunwon1 ◴[20 Nov 24 17:34 UTC] No.42196291[source]▶
    I'm an American, I lived in Germany for several years around the turn of the century. German roads that I encountered were far superior to American roads. Their construction is far more robust, the roads last much longer. And with German lane discipline (passing someone on the right is practically a cultural taboo, it's a prohibition that's taken quite seriously) they are usually a joy to drive on.
    replies(3): >>42197307 #>>42197395 #>>42197652 #
    3. PaulDavisThe1st ◴[20 Nov 24 19:33 UTC] No.42197307[source]▶
    I found the autobahn utterly nerve-wracking to drive on.

    In the US, on an interstate, the MPH spread around the speed limit is probably -20 to +20 (i.e. limit is 75, slowest cars are at 55, fastest at 95)

    In Germany, on autobahns, you have speed ratios of up to 2x. You have to constantly be 110% aware of every vehicle within 1/4 mile of you, because you could either be closing in the much slower vehicle in front of you, or suddenly approached and passed by a much faster vehicle from behind.

    replies(2): >>42197647 #>>42197926 #
    4. f1refly ◴[20 Nov 24 19:43 UTC] No.42197395[source]▶
    It's also a legal taboo, fyi
    replies(1): >>42202308 #
    5. cr1895 ◴[20 Nov 24 20:11 UTC] No.42197647{3}[source]▶
    >You have to constantly be 110% aware of every vehicle within 1/4 mile of you,

    Not such a terrible thing honestly...

    Personally, I find the lack of predictability on US interstates is much riskier. I'm pretty sure the accident statistics back this up too.

    replies(1): >>42199293 #
    6. cr1895 ◴[20 Nov 24 20:12 UTC] No.42197652[source]▶
    >And with German lane discipline

    The number of big trucks hanging out in the left lane in the US drives me mad...

    replies(1): >>42198074 #
    7. jcadam ◴[20 Nov 24 20:45 UTC] No.42197926{3}[source]▶
    Absolutely. I was stationed in Germany for 3 years while I was in the Army. You could be in the left lane of the Autobahn, doing 90+ passing a truck, and suddenly a Ferrari that wasn't there 5 seconds ago is right behind you, flashing its headlights demanding you get out of the way (apparently you're supposed to merge into the side of a semi).
    replies(1): >>42202289 #
    8. MisterTea ◴[20 Nov 24 21:02 UTC] No.42198074{3}[source]▶
    Depends on the state. Many like NY have "No trucks in left lane" laws.
    9. rascul ◴[20 Nov 24 23:35 UTC] No.42199293{4}[source]▶
    The qualifications to drive in some states are barely more than ability to breathe.
    10. Woeps ◴[21 Nov 24 08:36 UTC] No.42202289{4}[source]▶
    When I'm driving trough Germany I always encounter at least one worker van going the speed of light and flashing the <insert sport car> for going to slow.
    11. Woeps ◴[21 Nov 24 08:40 UTC] No.42202308{3}[source]▶
    What? passing on the right in Germany? As far I can search (and recall) it's prohibited except on multilane roads (including the Autobahn) when traffic in the left lane is stopped or is moving at less than 60 km/h