I’m currently on a trip to Germany with my parents, and we’re having a great time. I recently wrote about how renting cars in Germany can be fun (due to the car selection plus the ability to drive fast), though can I just take a moment to appreciate how refreshing it is to drive in Germany in general? I know this might sound a bit dramatic, but it almost restores my faith in humanity… I think I’ve just been in South Florida for too long.
In this post:
I used to enjoy driving… before I moved to Miami
I think in the United States, most people think that their city has the worst drivers. However, I’d like to authoritatively state that South Florida (and particularly the Miami area) definitely has the worst drivers. Honestly, I think the driving situation in Miami makes me being an introvert even worse, since I just don’t have the desire to get in a car anymore. I value my life too much.
Miami drivers on the whole are simply the perfect combination of unskilled, uncaring, and aggressive. Whether it’s on Biscayne Boulevard or I-95 between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it just never ceases to amaze me how reckless and unskilled drivers are:
- Cutting into another lane five feet in front of another car without using your blinker is just standard operating procedure in Miami
- Don’t even get me started on the amount of unsecured cargo in pick-up trucks as they’re barreling down the interstate
- You see people driving in the left lane on I-95 below the speed limit, and then people in the right lane going 100 miles per hour
- Sometimes people try to make a left turn out of the right-most lane, and rather than going around and making a U-turn, they’ll just cut over with no regard for others
- Don’t even get me started on the Dodge Charger folks who swerve through traffic as if it’s a video game, and then you end up at a light right next to them, because they don’t actually save any time; I know they think they’re just oozing BDE and machoness, or something, but… they’re not
The other day while taking a Lyft to Miami Airport, we nearly got in an accident on three different occasions. The drive was only 15 minutes. The Lyft driver was a typical Miami driver.
Here’s another example that I think perfectly sums up the problem with Miami drivers. Brightline is the awesome private train service between Miami and West Palm Beach (soon expanding to Orlando). Since it started in 2017, there have been nearly 100 deaths, making it the deadliest per mile train track in the United States.
It’s not because anything is wrong with the trains, or because the “gates” aren’t working. Rather it’s primarily because Miami drivers just don’t have the patience to wait for anyone else, even if it’ll cost them their life.
Anyway, off my soap box…
Driving in Germany is such a pleasant experience
After driving in Germany for a few days, I almost feel like a new person. I have so much more favorable of an impression of other humans after driving in Germany. Let me explain…
Driving fast is of course fun
Germany’s Autobahn is most known for not having a speed limit. Yes, many of us do enjoy driving fast. Though let me just say that this is perhaps a bit overrated. Between traffic and constant construction, it’s rare that you can maintain high speeds for more than a few minutes, at least where we’ve been driving.
You go from an area with a 120km/h speed limit, to no speed limit, and then a few kilometers later, there’s a 120km/h speed limit again. Unless you want to constantly be slamming on the brakes (which isn’t advisable), you’re not actually going to spend that much time going that fast.
It’s nice to be with considerate, good drivers
Honestly, the main thing I find refreshing about driving in Germany isn’t even the speed, but rather the general respect drivers show one another. In Germany, you don’t have a whole lot of these “I’m more important than you, so I’m just going to swerve through traffic so I can get to my destination eight seconds faster than you” folks.
This comes down to a variety of factors:
- In Germany you can only pass on the left, so people move further right when they’re not passing or when someone else wants to pass
- In Germany you have speed cameras, which I actually appreciate, since it limits the number of people just driving completely recklessly
- Getting a driver’s license in Germany isn’t like in the United States, where you basically just need a pulse; you need to take classes, and have a lot more experience (as an example, just look at how the average driver in Miami parallel parks)
- People actually concentrate when they drive in Germany, so they’re not constantly texting while driving, as is way too common in Florida
Anyway, perhaps I’ve just been in Florida for too long now, but it’s nice to feel like driving is a semi-enjoyable experience, rather than a race to stay alive.
Bottom line
Germany is known for its Autobahn, and lack of speed limits. While the ability to drive fast is a bit overrated due to all the restrictions, what isn’t overrated is the general respect and courtesy that Germans show on the road. Driving is an orderly, cooperative experience. It’s sad that I find this to be so remarkable, but… well, I do.
Anyone else enjoy driving in Germany, and appreciate how orderly it is?
I live in Germany. The grass is always greener on the other side is all I can say. Try driving in the rush hour to get a feel for the German driving talent - they are a mess and very impatient.
Spot on! I lived in Bremen for 3 years while in the military and I was always amazed how great the Germans were driving and how courteous they were. I have always said we should have German driving schools at all our border crossings and anyone who can complete the course is automatically admitted as a citizen!
Great article! Covers driving in Germany and the difference compared to the US very well. The Germans are not necessarily considerate though. You should hear them cuss when sitting behind the wheel or flashing their lights. LOL However, we love our cars more than anything else (well the majority). So we don't want anything happen to them. One scratch and we are devastated. Try driving the A40 during rush hour. It is called the largest car park in Germany.
I cannot agree more. I just spend 3 weeks in Austria and Italy. It is a pleasure to drive. I live in LA which is very much the same as Miami. I feel since covid the driving habits have gotten worse.
100% it's gotten worse since Covid. I drove in LA off and on for 20 years. People could be individually rotten and stupid but they all had life-long freeway experience. Like NYC, everyone expects you do to something stupid, so everyone is very safe. Much better than Seattle or Dallas or Chicago. No longer the case. Since 2020 all bets are off anywhere in North America.
LA is quite tame compared to Miami, in my experience.
Australian here (live in Perth): Miami sounds like a putrid place to live and seems to be where the most selfish people on earth live!
Driving in Australia is easy, everyone understands and respects the rules! Also speed cameras are a thing and I think that is a great thing! Also getting your license in Australia while not as stringent as Germany does have some more requirements!
Been to US before but never Miami...
Australian here (live in Perth): Miami sounds like a putrid place to live and seems to be where the most selfish people on earth live!
Driving in Australia is easy, everyone understands and respects the rules! Also speed cameras are a thing and I think that is a great thing! Also getting your license in Australia while not as stringent as Germany does have some more requirements!
Been to US before but never Miami and don’t plan on going anytime soon!
Ben why do you choose to live there?
Can’t imagine it’s an overly welcoming place for a gay man to live as well?
I too live in Perth and the idiots i see on a daily basis are what prompted me to get front and rear dash cams... Where are these good drivers you talk about? Lol
My two cents, being a European that drives a lot and has driven all over the EU and US (across all states), married to another European who has spent many years living in the US:
- Both my wife and I actually prefer driving in the US since the traffic tends to flow more smoothly (perhaps not in Miami, but in most places)
- In many parts of Europe, there are a lot...
My two cents, being a European that drives a lot and has driven all over the EU and US (across all states), married to another European who has spent many years living in the US:
- Both my wife and I actually prefer driving in the US since the traffic tends to flow more smoothly (perhaps not in Miami, but in most places)
- In many parts of Europe, there are a lot of annoying 1+2-roads where people drive way below the speed limit in the right lane, and way above it in the left lane, and change lanes constantly, whereas American drivers - in general - seem to change lanes less frequently and maintain a more even speed (compared to other cars)
- I don’t find American drivers to be worse than European drivers
- German Autobahns are certainly fun if you have a fast car, but then again, so are the roads around Miami ;)
"I used to enjoy driving before I moved to Germany!!!". What a joke this article is! I have lived in Germany for 13 years and I hate driving here. BMW drivers all seem to drive like shit, the Autobahns always seem to have traffic jams, the two right side lanes are full of tractor trailer trucks and police do no traffic control at all.
I think most Americans, outside the bumf**k states at least, strive to drive carefully to avoid incidents where they could end up beong shot dead, or face a lawsuit that could potentially bankrupt them.
The Germans are good drivers, and that is certainly refreshing......but as someone who lives in The Netherlands and commutes into Germany, your experience is quite different than what I experience almost daily, and summertime is the worst because of all the non-German drivers.
The world-famous Autobahn is actually in a bit of disrepair compared to a few decades ago. It is under constant construction, has huge amounts of traffic (especially July-Sept), many tourists towing...
The Germans are good drivers, and that is certainly refreshing......but as someone who lives in The Netherlands and commutes into Germany, your experience is quite different than what I experience almost daily, and summertime is the worst because of all the non-German drivers.
The world-famous Autobahn is actually in a bit of disrepair compared to a few decades ago. It is under constant construction, has huge amounts of traffic (especially July-Sept), many tourists towing caravans, and surprise speeding tickets in the mail because there are several areas of unmarked/poorly marked zones with speed limits. Also, the rare sections where you can set the cruise control at 200 KPH (120 mph) are actually super dull. Cruising on a straight road, at that speed offers little more exhilaration than cruising at the normal highway speed of 130 KPH. Acceleration and cornering are where things are exhilarating when driving a car.
you're always welcome in NYC!
There IS a speed limit on the Autobahn in Germany! It is 270 Kmh. Although not relevant for most cars I have seen a few pass me on the left when I was driving at 210 Kmh. And they vanish at a blink.
The past few years there are so many roadworks on the Autobahn where they limit the speed to 120 or 80 kmh that it is difficult to really enjoy fast driving.
...
There IS a speed limit on the Autobahn in Germany! It is 270 Kmh. Although not relevant for most cars I have seen a few pass me on the left when I was driving at 210 Kmh. And they vanish at a blink.
The past few years there are so many roadworks on the Autobahn where they limit the speed to 120 or 80 kmh that it is difficult to really enjoy fast driving.
Roadworks can be done only in the summer so they cram it all during the few good weather months.
During winter it is difficult driving fast.
There is no 270kph speed limit in Germany.
Ben, I live in Miami as well (in Edgewater) and while you hit the nail on the head with your comments, you left out a few important ones:
- the insane line-cutting that happens at every red light and exit ramp
- this is the last place on earth you still see people driving while holding cell phones up to their ears like it's 2002, even in luxury vehicles with Bluetooth
- armies...
Ben, I live in Miami as well (in Edgewater) and while you hit the nail on the head with your comments, you left out a few important ones:
- the insane line-cutting that happens at every red light and exit ramp
- this is the last place on earth you still see people driving while holding cell phones up to their ears like it's 2002, even in luxury vehicles with Bluetooth
- armies of Range Rovers driven by 26-year-old Colombian women in yoga clothing, with French bulldogs on their laps, watching TikTok videos over the top of the steering wheel
- the Miami Heat vanity license plates, which I find helpful, as they generally indicate the absolute worst drivers on the road
I have NEVER had to drive as defensively as I do here. In twenty-five years of driving I have never rolled my window down and screamed at people as frequently as I have in my two years living here. This city is tropical and scenic and close to lots of interesting places, but it's also the most selfish, stupid and shallow city I've ever seen, and I used to live in Los Angeles.
IMHO the drivers are less erratic but more neurotic, and the traffic flow rules are incomprehensible: why does no one understand how to zipper merge? Why does turning traffic regularly have the right-of-way over straight traffic? For the love of God, why are the stoplights situated before the intersection rather than after, so that you can't actually, you know, see the color of the light when you're at the line, as it's now too far...
IMHO the drivers are less erratic but more neurotic, and the traffic flow rules are incomprehensible: why does no one understand how to zipper merge? Why does turning traffic regularly have the right-of-way over straight traffic? For the love of God, why are the stoplights situated before the intersection rather than after, so that you can't actually, you know, see the color of the light when you're at the line, as it's now too far directly above you so as to be out of your line of vision entirely? And then there are the totally arbitrary speed limit changes that bear no relation whatsoever to the driving environment, the hyperactive, omnipresent parking ticket cops....
I lived in Germany for four years, and the biggest thing about driving in Germany is that EVERYONE is following the same set of rules. You know exactly what another driver will do, because they all follow the rules! And that makes driving MUCH safer. Along with the fact that it's very time consuming and expensive to get your license, so that you do really have to know what you're doing in order to get...
I lived in Germany for four years, and the biggest thing about driving in Germany is that EVERYONE is following the same set of rules. You know exactly what another driver will do, because they all follow the rules! And that makes driving MUCH safer. Along with the fact that it's very time consuming and expensive to get your license, so that you do really have to know what you're doing in order to get it, and one wrong move and you have to do it all again!! I loved driving there. Here, not so much...
Driving in Germany simply isn't 'much safer'. Deaths are roughly double what they are in Switzerland (where people drive FAR better) and also much higher than the UK and France. It's another of Germany 'myths about how good we are'. They drive very aggressively. And people die.
Driving in Germany simply isn't 'much safer'. Deaths are roughly double what they are in Switzerland (where people drive FAR better) and also much higher than the UK and France. It's another of Germany 'myths about how good we are'. They drive very aggressively. And people die. It is measurable.
In many ways, it's analogous to the US gun lobby. The German motor lobby campaigns against restrictions even though it's clear that (innocent) people...
Driving in Germany simply isn't 'much safer'. Deaths are roughly double what they are in Switzerland (where people drive FAR better) and also much higher than the UK and France. It's another of Germany 'myths about how good we are'. They drive very aggressively. And people die. It is measurable.
In many ways, it's analogous to the US gun lobby. The German motor lobby campaigns against restrictions even though it's clear that (innocent) people die as a result. I'd imagine many people commenting about how wonderful autobahns are, feel differently about guns?
What's the point of this article.... I think this has nothing to do with my travel planning or points/miles strategy.
Then don't read it? ;)
Or start your own blog and write what you want to write about, like he does....
European drivers understand basic physics so they are among the fastest drivers but also the safest on the roads, especially the German and the French. American drivers lack the basic physics knowledge and the " don't give a hoot " attitude. In other countries, the fastest lane is the passing lane only but not here. The slowest lane is reserved for cars merging onto the freeways. When you see cars merging onto the freeways, you...
European drivers understand basic physics so they are among the fastest drivers but also the safest on the roads, especially the German and the French. American drivers lack the basic physics knowledge and the " don't give a hoot " attitude. In other countries, the fastest lane is the passing lane only but not here. The slowest lane is reserved for cars merging onto the freeways. When you see cars merging onto the freeways, you must change lane to let them in. What do you expect when a driver merges onto freeway at a slower speed than other drivers already on freeway at a faster speed? I notice many lousy drivers on the roads are Hispanic. In Kuwait, you normally see drivers in the fast lane veer into exit ramp in five seconds. Cars are wrecked in horrible condition and nobody makes it alive. Expensive sport cars are mostly involved. It is a fatal driving habit when you have mentality of riding a camel to handling a modern expensive sport car.
Don't forget the people who merge in and out of the express lanes by running over the rubber pylons.
The USA in general has the worst drivers I've seen anywhere. There's just too many big egos and road rage incidents. The semi-orderly chaos of South American roads is preferable in my opinion.
I guess you haven't been to Egypt or India. The US isn't close to the worst drivers in the world.
Just tell the truth of why South Florida has the most aggressive, terrible drivers... say it.. for all to hear...
Nah, they'd never admit it.. it will go against the 'cultural enrichment' that they use to justify the mass inflow.
As an American citizen who currently lives in the UK and holds a UK license now it is definately harder to get a license here compared to the US and people here generally do respect each other on the road and having driven across Europe it is far better than the US. I am headed back to the US for x-Mas holidays and absolutely not looking forward to driving back home. People actually follow the...
As an American citizen who currently lives in the UK and holds a UK license now it is definately harder to get a license here compared to the US and people here generally do respect each other on the road and having driven across Europe it is far better than the US. I am headed back to the US for x-Mas holidays and absolutely not looking forward to driving back home. People actually follow the rules of the road and give way, but I will say the UK crowd is not as great as other EU countries when it comes to courtesy when driving but far better than the US crowd for sure!
I got news for ya.It’s happening in a LOT of places.You might as well be talking about Houston as well
I thought it as just me but what is it with these Dodge Chargers!!!
Not just in Florida - but generally in high density metro areas in the mid to north East I-95 route. Most of the reckless drivers outside of Florida have their windows blacked out. The highway system has gotten to be unsafe.
On my last visit to Germany in Winter 2018, the hotel where we stayed partnered w AMG and we got to use an AMG GT C roadster for a day at no cost. We drove the car from Munich to Neuschwanstein castle. Some of the drive were on autobahns. It was a bit unnerving. We were going 135 miles per hour. We thought that was fast enough, but we had random sedans, even delivery vans...
On my last visit to Germany in Winter 2018, the hotel where we stayed partnered w AMG and we got to use an AMG GT C roadster for a day at no cost. We drove the car from Munich to Neuschwanstein castle. Some of the drive were on autobahns. It was a bit unnerving. We were going 135 miles per hour. We thought that was fast enough, but we had random sedans, even delivery vans tailgating us, because we suspect we actually drove too slow, and it was in light wintry mix as well!
I could say that the drivers in Germany have a much better confidence in their driving. We also noted the winter road management is better - we saw salt truck everywhere - even in small village roads. Roads never felt iced or slippery at all.
It’s not just Miami. I lived in the Tampa area for two years and it’s as you describe. Worst drivers on Earth in Florida. Don’t get me started on the I-4 between Tampa and Orlando. Constant crashing.
You're right, Miami is the absolute worst. But they learned in Chicago and Detroit, and then they got Miami attitudes. And John C Lodge Expressway is reckless driving at 110mph on ice.
Of course it's fun to go fast once, in order to try out your car. But more and more, the Autobahn has alternating speed limits every few kilometers (80 km/h, 100 km/h, 130 km/h, no limit). A good example is the A81 Singen to Stuttgart. This is not only very fuel consuming, but also not very enjoyable.
And what ist now the best car for our German Autobahn?
You might be surprised but I would argue it is a Tesla.
- strong recuperation (good when a new speed limit kicks in or someone slower gets in your way)
- super efficient due to low drag of coefficient -> lowest energy cost.
In summer I charge mostly with my own PV at 10 Cents/kWh.
When driving fast, say 200 km/h...
And what ist now the best car for our German Autobahn?
You might be surprised but I would argue it is a Tesla.
- strong recuperation (good when a new speed limit kicks in or someone slower gets in your way)
- super efficient due to low drag of coefficient -> lowest energy cost.
In summer I charge mostly with my own PV at 10 Cents/kWh.
When driving fast, say 200 km/h when possible, you can’t really get above 30 kWh/100km equaling 3€/100km (or 3x at the average electricity price).
In comparison, even a Diesel would need 10L/km equaling 16€ currently.
Not to forget that it is so amazing to hit the juice pedal once there is no speed limit and you pass almost every ICE cars silently. It is so funny when a Porsche realizes he cannot overtake.
Where does 10 cents/kWh come from? Is electricity that cheap in Germany? In Boston it's at least 30 cents/kWh at home, much more than that at a paid charging station.
Also, where do you get 30 kWh/100 km at 200 km/h? Tesla's normal (at 100 km/h) energy use is about 20kWh/100km, I would think 200 km/h would at least double it (aerodynamic drag would actually quadruple, but it is not the only energy drain).
Consumer...
Where does 10 cents/kWh come from? Is electricity that cheap in Germany? In Boston it's at least 30 cents/kWh at home, much more than that at a paid charging station.
Also, where do you get 30 kWh/100 km at 200 km/h? Tesla's normal (at 100 km/h) energy use is about 20kWh/100km, I would think 200 km/h would at least double it (aerodynamic drag would actually quadruple, but it is not the only energy drain).
Consumer Reports did a comparison for the US, in a few states (including Massachusetts) an ICE car (especially a hybrid) costs less per km than a similar sized electric car - our gas is cheap and electricity is expensive.
Sorry if that did nit become clear. I produce my own electricity with photovoltaics at a cost of 10 cents/kWh. If I would put the excess to the grid I would only get 8 cents/kWh.
The average electricity price for private households is 30 cents/kWh. However, you can now get contracts starting at 24 cents/kWh.
I simply did not want to be overly optimistic on EVs and at least in Germany they still have a...
Sorry if that did nit become clear. I produce my own electricity with photovoltaics at a cost of 10 cents/kWh. If I would put the excess to the grid I would only get 8 cents/kWh.
The average electricity price for private households is 30 cents/kWh. However, you can now get contracts starting at 24 cents/kWh.
I simply did not want to be overly optimistic on EVs and at least in Germany they still have a big cost advantage.
Regarding the energy use. From my experience a Tesla Model 3 will need 15-16 kWh/ 100km at a constant speed of 100km/h. A Model Y is generally +10%. The consumption is heavily affected by winds. There are easy calculations. Roughly 9 kWh/100km are attributed to the rolling resistance. So the difference of 7 kWh/100km is for drag. At 200km/h this value quadruples. So 28+9 =37 kWh/100km.
40 kWh/100km at a constant speed of 200 km/h is a fine expectation.
However, you cannot drive constantly 200 km/h in praxis. That is why I rarely get over 30 kWh/100km. Even at this speed, I like to emphasize that I drive with a sufficient distance to the cars in front of me so that recuperation is usually sufficient and I don‘t need to slam on the mechanic breaks.
The Autobahn is theoretically fun, but the traffic, especially on the A8 and A61 in the summertime is just brutal. 30-45 minute delays in the middle of nowhere are common. Unrestricted speed zones do little to make up for it IMO.
Make sure you observe the speed limit when there is one, especially in small towns. Our German friends warned us about the red light cameras and we were indeed given a citation for speeding (although we couldn't figure out how to pay it). We did have a great time, though! This was last November in the Frankfurt area.
Concur. Went to visit some friends years ago who lived in Germany. We drove down to Cologne. They let me drive. I pushed the car up to like 90 mph and cars were flying past me, seemingly frustrated. My friends told me I was driving far too slow, and that I needed to hit the gas pedal hard. I did. It was a blast.
But, in addition, as you said, it was just a basic,...
Concur. Went to visit some friends years ago who lived in Germany. We drove down to Cologne. They let me drive. I pushed the car up to like 90 mph and cars were flying past me, seemingly frustrated. My friends told me I was driving far too slow, and that I needed to hit the gas pedal hard. I did. It was a blast.
But, in addition, as you said, it was just a basic, pleasant experience. Germany has less drivers due to public transit, and the freeways just flow easily. They also have better designed intersections, imo.
The best part of Germany and most of the rest of the world is that drivers understand and practice the concepts of 1. keeping right except to pass and then do it at a decently faster speed than the car you are passing and 2. leave the electronic devices and beverages at home if they impede your full attention to driving.
Kind of a "moo" point to compare US drivers to other countries. You're talking about a group where they've found that American drivers find it mentally too difficult to process a round-about, how do you expect them to have any awareness of the roads beyond themselves.
That said, not all of Europe is perfect, some parts of Italy and Spain are pretty chaotic too, but in a "I am aware of all the things...
Kind of a "moo" point to compare US drivers to other countries. You're talking about a group where they've found that American drivers find it mentally too difficult to process a round-about, how do you expect them to have any awareness of the roads beyond themselves.
That said, not all of Europe is perfect, some parts of Italy and Spain are pretty chaotic too, but in a "I am aware of all the things around me way"
The most surprisingly pleasant place I've driven so far has been in Jordan, where despite the excess speed, most are very considerate.
The road system in Germany is policed fairly and firmly and drivers know that the full force of the law will be brought down on them if they transgress!
When I moved to Vancouver long ago, I was fascinated by the "zipper merge" where traffic from West and North Van have to converge on one lane to approach the Lion's Gate Bridge. It was one car from each side, one at a time, like clockwork, no exceptions. It was explained to me that this was just the polite way to do it and everyone followed suit. I doubt it's like that now.
Moving...
When I moved to Vancouver long ago, I was fascinated by the "zipper merge" where traffic from West and North Van have to converge on one lane to approach the Lion's Gate Bridge. It was one car from each side, one at a time, like clockwork, no exceptions. It was explained to me that this was just the polite way to do it and everyone followed suit. I doubt it's like that now.
Moving down to NC after three decades of driving in NYC has taken some getting used to, mainly just working hard to keep my anger in check. Very much the same behaviors that you describe in Miami. The worst are the vroom-vroom badasses who feel the need to pass you on the double yellow line on a 2 lane road. That and the people I see going 80+ mph on the interstate with their phone in their hand, watching TikTok videos, because that's gotta be so important, right? Seeing the near-weekly incidents of road rage shootings on the local news reminds me to just let it slide, though. More important things in life.
I just finished a trip in Italy and the Germans were the most careful drivers there, almost to their detriment as they were slow and too cautious. I can only imagine how scary US metropolitan driving is for them… Especially right lane passing
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a motorcyclist with no helmet going 95 mph on a bumper to bumper crowded highway while crossing multiple lanes without a signal while smoking and talking on a cell phone at the same time, while wearing flip-flops.
We live in Ft. Lauderdale and had season tickets to the Arsht Center in Miami until we felt forced to give them up because of the chaotic situation on the roads....
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a motorcyclist with no helmet going 95 mph on a bumper to bumper crowded highway while crossing multiple lanes without a signal while smoking and talking on a cell phone at the same time, while wearing flip-flops.
We live in Ft. Lauderdale and had season tickets to the Arsht Center in Miami until we felt forced to give them up because of the chaotic situation on the roads. Seeing three accidents in 25 miles on the road was not unusual
I lived in New York for 25 years. Drivers there were aggressive. Here they are crazy.
It's not just Germany, but essentially most other countries in the world where getting a drivers license takes many hours of mandatory practice at a driving school and a pretty stringent exam, rather than just showing up with your mom's car to drive around the block like it seems to be customary in the US.
One of my most scariest moments on the Autobahn was when I was speeding 150km/h in the left lane when a small car swerve in the lane doing about 90km/h. Good brakes on my car. But a hard pounder.
Had that one just last week, only the swerving car was doing 120, and I had someone closing behind me at 180. Slamming the brakes thinking "I'm gonna take one in the back rather than from the side". Somehow the guy behind me saw it play out in time. I managed to get past the dude and he swerved again. Cellphone or falling asleep or something. Terrifying. I think I need to see a cardiologist.
I recall famous Miami resident Dave Barry once writing something to the effect of, "the average speed of a Miami driver is 58 mph. This is because 49% of drivers are going 25mph, 49% of drivers are going 95mph, and 2% of drivers are - for one reason or another - going backwards."
I lived in Germany for four years, and the biggest thing about driving in Germany is that EVERYONE is following the same set of rules. You know exactly what another driver will do, because they all follow the rules! And that makes driving MUCH safer. Along with the fact that it's very time consuming and expensive to get your license, so that you do really have to know what you're doing in order to get...
I lived in Germany for four years, and the biggest thing about driving in Germany is that EVERYONE is following the same set of rules. You know exactly what another driver will do, because they all follow the rules! And that makes driving MUCH safer. Along with the fact that it's very time consuming and expensive to get your license, so that you do really have to know what you're doing in order to get it, and one wrong move and you have to do it all again!! I loved driving there. Here, not so much...
I rented an M4 last year when I visited Germany. I had an absolute blast.
But the best part of traveling in Germany is that I didn't need a car most of the time. I stayed for 11 days and only wound up renting the car for 24 hours.
I lived in Miami for 18 years and also recently drove the autobahn. You forgot the people who stop and block the traffic ON THE HIGHWAY so they can cut in front of the line to get off at the exit ramp.
I live in Miami and the line-cutting is the absolute most infuriating part of driving here. Then again, Miami is bar-none the most selfish city in the US - people let doors bang shut in your face, run over your feet with supermarket carts, walk down the sidewalk four-abreast, let their dogs dump all over the sidewalks, shout into speakerphone conversations everywhere, and just generally cheat, shove and push their way through life - so...
I live in Miami and the line-cutting is the absolute most infuriating part of driving here. Then again, Miami is bar-none the most selfish city in the US - people let doors bang shut in your face, run over your feet with supermarket carts, walk down the sidewalk four-abreast, let their dogs dump all over the sidewalks, shout into speakerphone conversations everywhere, and just generally cheat, shove and push their way through life - so it's hardly surprising that they won't wait in traffic lines.
Ben, what kind of car did you end up renting?
Was in Germany 2 months ago and couldn't agree more with how good and polite of drivers they are, I would disagree with your take on the Autobahn top speed. There were times where it was 120 then unlimited then quickly back to 120 (makes no sense), I did find some very long stretches of unlimited and did take my rented BMW to 150 MPH (bucket list) and cruised for many miles at 120 mph. If you are a speed junky, there is still plenty of opportunity in Germany.
Usually construction or heavy traffic areas will slow down the speed limit. Outside of Munich it is noise restrictions.
Honestly life in Germany is lovely and civilised, mutual respect and safety characterise people's daily lives. And as a German yourself, what's stopping you from moving here?
Since the grass is usually greener on the other side of the fence I typically enjoy driving in the US ;-)
Though I realized that drivers in the US are no less reckless than those in Germany. I guess I like driving in the US due to mainly two reasons: great scenery, especially in the Southwest, and I'm on vacation when being there.
Oh, and of course the third reason is what I...
Since the grass is usually greener on the other side of the fence I typically enjoy driving in the US ;-)
Though I realized that drivers in the US are no less reckless than those in Germany. I guess I like driving in the US due to mainly two reasons: great scenery, especially in the Southwest, and I'm on vacation when being there.
Oh, and of course the third reason is what I mentioned in the beginning.
When it comes to speed: Usually I'm driving faster in the US (somewhere near the posted speed limit). In Germany I tend to cruise at a slightly lower speed which results in better fuel efficiency.
Agree with this. Most of the US from the center/Midwest - west is 70-80mph limits on the highways. You're not really going much faster than that on the autobahn, unless you decide to put the pedal down for a bit.
The biggest difference is definitely the etiquette. Everyone sticking to the right lane on Germany (and most of Europe) is SO nice, and they are much more courteous drivers over there.
I definitely drive faster than 80 mph on the majority of the Autobahn. 100 mph is my usual cruising speed.
Sticking to the right lane?? When was the last time you were in Europe? You should try Belgium, France, Portugal and so on. I guess the french guys introduce that back in time.
To be fair to Brightline the 'large majority' of incidents are with pedestrians on the tracks vs hitting impatient vehicles.
On a ride last year my Brightline hit a car hauler that failed to clear the tracks. It happens so frequently that the cabin attendant pulled out a script from her apron and started reading it before the train had even come to a complete stop. "We have just experienced a vehicle strike..." Three hour delay but they put a coupon for a discount on a future ride in my app. :)
Well, the main issue with Brightline is that they have level crossings on a high speed line. No doubt the number of incidents is high, whether it's with pedestrians or cars.
I agree that Miami has a lot of bad, aggressive drivers. Some parts of the US have bad drivers that are not too aggressive.
Germany has blessed America by selling cars that are designed for Germany, like BMW and Audi. Unfortunately, both companies are ending gasoline powered cars because of the German situation. This will force Americans who want to drive cars, not SUVs, that are gasoline powered to have to drive Hyundai or...
I agree that Miami has a lot of bad, aggressive drivers. Some parts of the US have bad drivers that are not too aggressive.
Germany has blessed America by selling cars that are designed for Germany, like BMW and Audi. Unfortunately, both companies are ending gasoline powered cars because of the German situation. This will force Americans who want to drive cars, not SUVs, that are gasoline powered to have to drive Hyundai or Toyota.
One bad thing about driving in Germany. Hertz and other car rental companies look for microscopic scratches to charge you.
Never had a problem with thousands of miles renting through National.
We just got back to the UK from NYC. My son has just passed his test and our American driver was amazed that it took my son nearly a year with a driving instructor to pass then a 45 minute in car test with an examiner . He said “ go to Florida for a licence….. you just need to turn the car on to pass “ lol
"In Germany, you don’t have a whole lot of these “I’m more important than you..." "
Except if you have to meet/deal with some managers...
But drivers in general are undoubtedly the best you can find in the whole of Europe and more...
Agree driving in Germany is fun, although the frequently changing speed limits and speed cameras make it a little less fun than it could be. Still better than driving in most of America, let alone Florida. It's nice to have drivers who aren't totally crazy.
It's no surprise the Germans have some of the best driving assistance features on the market. The BMW I rented last year would automatically change cruise control settings based on speed limit signs. Fantastic tech!
Yes, but my favorite driving destinations are Spain and Japan.
I'm guessing your point about the Brightline being deadly is people driving cars through the rail crossings and getting hit? I think you skipped that part.
Totally agree about American's driving. It should be mandatory every ~5 years to retake a comprehensive driving test, and more frequent after 65yo.
There are longer stretches without limits, for example on A2 Hannover to Berlin or A9 from Nuremberg to Berlin. And on Saturday afternoon, with low traffic, you can drive fast or at speed limit of your car for quite some time. There are also roads to avoid, where they put 130km/h limit for most of it, A61 from Cologne to Hedeilberg.
I used to go on petrol burning trips in AMG doing loops: Duisburg - Nuremberg - Berlin - Duisburg and back to UK.
Well, I'd rather go 130 constantly on a restricted but empty road, rather than alternating between 80 and 180 on a de-restricted but busy road.
Before all the construction started, A61 was actually pleasant to drive. Cruise control to 135 and just go. Did that every other weekend for a while.
It all depends if you drive for fun or just from A to B. If I need to get somewhere in non-fun car, then I don't mind driving 130. But I do remember some parts of A61 with 80 limit, due to Larmshutz.
But for fun driving, I like roads with no speed limit.
It's been a while I used the A61 but good luck on you to get 130 there. One of the only highway's in Germany with only two lanes. Unless they changed that in recent years. The A61 is a mess.
It's fun until you have to fill up on gas. 2 euros a liter is crazy.
That's a European thing. In Germany at least you have some "no speed limits" which doesn't exist in any other European country, not to mention the civilization of the drivers.
Most people are not driving a huge truck. Cars will get 30 mpg and distances are short. I drove 3,000 km and paid around €300
Driving MUC to Berchtesgaden regularly on the A8 there are only a few stretches that are no limits, but it's still fun.
Agreed Florida sucks