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How good are American roads?

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193 points chmaynard | 2 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source
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glitchc ◴[] 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).
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kunwon1 ◴[] 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.
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PaulDavisThe1st ◴[] 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.

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1. cr1895 ◴[] 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.

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2. rascul ◴[] No.42199293[source]
The qualifications to drive in some states are barely more than ability to breathe.