Thursday 3rd May 2012

PH Blog: What makes the autobahn brilliant

And we're not talking Kraftwerk albums here...

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Is this the only sensible place to use a Veyron?

I think I've nailed-down what it is that makes driving on an autobahn such a pleasure. And it's not (entirely) to do with having no speed limits. No, the key thing is that, on the German motorway network, you are treated as a responsible grown-up human being, capable of making your own decisions and taking responsibility for your own actions.

It actually seems to be a feature of things in Germany in general. The rules of everyday life are laid down for you to follow, and it's up to you to be able to do what's expected, or face the consequences if not.

Ready for the 0-250kph test...

The Autostadt, VW's massive corporate brand showcase/theme park thingummy at the company's HQ in Wolfsburg that we visited lastweek, for example, is entirely a non-smoking venue, outside and in. But there are no signs; there's just a conspicuous absence of any ash trays, smoking shelters or any other of the associated paraphernalia. It's basically up to you to work out what that means.

This same concept manifests itself on the autobahnen, too, and in all sorts of ways. Most obviously of course, where that magic white circle with the black diagonal stripes applies, you drive as fast as feels safe (something Dan's trying in a Jag XJ). There's also much less nannying where speed limits are imposed, too. In roadwork sections you're unlikely to find the average speed cameras that are so ubiquitous in the UK, while when other speed limits are applied it's generally obvious why, be that lots of junctions, sharp curves, poor visibility or the like.

The consequence is that, because the rules imposed on the roads are manifestly there for a reason, people largely adhere to them (albeit with a +20kph or so margin of grace on the speed limits), and actually seem to pay attention. The possibility of a 911 Turbo appearing behind you at 180mph means that people actually seem to check their mirrors before moving out to overtake, for example, and there's generally an acceptance that everybody has a right to get along the road at a pace which suits them.

Your ticket to automotive freedom...?

In short, you simply don't get some sanctimonious [expletive deleted] crawling past somebody in the outside lane at 70.5mph and refusing to move over because 'they're doing more than the speed limit anyway so I don't see why anybody should want to go any faster'. And if that makes me sound like the sort of chap who sits two inches from the car in front, then I don't intend it to - it's just ruddy irritating when you want to make progress.

Autobahn living isn't perfect, of course - the 75mph outside-lane bumper-to-bumper freight train you see on busy British motorways can be a 95mph one in Germany, which is rather unnerving. But compared with the UK's motorway network, it's paradise.

I'm not about to suggest we start to introduce de-restricted sections to British multi-laners - the pile-ups caused by over-exuberant yoofs as they try to max-out their Saxos really don't bear thinking about. But if you can, and if you have a sufficiently fast car to make it interesting, a high speed trip around Germany wil do wonders for your sanity. And your faith in humanity.

Riggers

[PhantomPH]

So does Germany NOT have 'yoofs' trying to mac out their Saxos?

I only ask, as yes I agree there would be a rash of people acting stupid in the UK, but surely the same must have applied at some point in germany...or is there a different culture amongst the youth of G?