How to Drive on the German Autobahn

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Female Speaker: The German Autobahn; nowhere else in the world are you allowed as fast as here. About one half of the Germany's Autobahn network has no speed limit; only recommended speed of 130 kilometers per hour. This freedom of speed even tends to draw many people from abroad to the German Autobahn. Asia sends whole group of tourists to press the metal to the floor on Germany's super highways. Still as strange as it may sound, driving fast is something that has to be learned. Each year more than 2 million accidents occur on the German Autobahn, partially a result of inexperienced racers. High-speed driving calls for the outmost concentration and energy on the part of the driver. There is not always room to pass. At top speeds of nearly 300 kilometers per hour other driver don't see the speed demons coming until the last moment and then frantically try to maneuver out of the way. That's why German pro-race drivers like Tim Bergmeister respect the speeds driven on the Autobahn fast cars and speed are his business and he is quite familiar with the problem on the German Autobahn. Tim Bergmeister: Generally the problem is that while you might be very fast the others are traveling at normal speed, most at 130, even if they are able to drive faster. The difference in speeds is then so huge that it is really hard to calculate speeds or distances. That means that the cars that are in front of you don't see how fast you are approaching. When the road is clear at night for instance then there is no problem going fast. But during the day in ordinary traffic you really should drive like everyone else; go with a flow and keep a safe distance. Female Speaker: Also very dangerous is getting off the fast paced Autobahn and back on to ordinary roads. Your feeling for your own speed is distorted from driving so fast on the Autobahn. Here you really have to remember to slow down and observe the speed limit as quickly as possible. This could otherwise lead to fatal consequences on roads where the view is obscured. Just like driving a round curve too fast. Even if you think you are fine at fast speed you should drive full throttle only on the Autobahn. Always stay alert and still conscious and perhaps even leave the passing lane to others once in a while.