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How good are American roads?

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193 points chmaynard | 10 comments | 20 Nov 24 14:45 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source | bottom
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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 #
1. 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 #
2. 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 #
3. f1refly ◴[20 Nov 24 19:43 UTC] No.42197395[source]▶
It's also a legal taboo, fyi
replies(1): >>42202308 #
4. cr1895 ◴[20 Nov 24 20:11 UTC] No.42197647[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 #
5. 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 #
6. jcadam ◴[20 Nov 24 20:45 UTC] No.42197926[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 #
7. MisterTea ◴[20 Nov 24 21:02 UTC] No.42198074[source]▶
Depends on the state. Many like NY have "No trucks in left lane" laws.
8. rascul ◴[20 Nov 24 23:35 UTC] No.42199293{3}[source]▶
The qualifications to drive in some states are barely more than ability to breathe.
9. Woeps ◴[21 Nov 24 08:36 UTC] No.42202289{3}[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.
10. Woeps ◴[21 Nov 24 08:40 UTC] No.42202308[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