Speed Demons

Germans pride themselves on being one of the world's most environmentally conscious countries. They recycle everything, compost, and hang clothes to dry to conserving water and energy. Wind turbines dot the landscape. You'll see them along the autobahn.... Well, that is if you're not traveling at break-neck speeds.

Despite finds that prove that driving slower emits less greenhouse gas, most Germans balked at the idea of imposing speed limits. Driving is to the German people what the second amendment is for many Americans: controversial, dangerous, and inalienable. Though more then half of the autobahn is governed by speed restrictions, you know when you're in a limitless zone.

This morning I had to drive to Frankfurt, which is about 180 kilometers from Bonn. I consider myself a conservative driver, but in the speed-limit free zones, I averaged about 150 K or 93.2 miles per hour. I think this is pretty fast, but other drivers regularly smoked me.

When driving on the autobahn the left lane has two purposes. Its official use is for cars to enter it briefly to pass another car. The unofficial use is home to high-performance vehicles. If you see a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes approaching in your rearview mirror, get out of the way. They will pass you, normally traveling at least 200 K (125 miles) per hour. If they flash their lights, it means you should have been out of their way 10 seconds ago.