It’s not for nothing that Germany is revered widely in the whole wide world. Although most of the world today acknowledges and identifies the West European nation as the Strongman of Europe, there are tons of other reasons that escalate Germany to the heights of global reckoning.
Industrialisation, booming economy and engineering heights! Even as much of the world remains heavily drawn to this famous German troika, there’s so much more about Deutschland that hardly gets the space it so deserves. While today, most of the world’s perception of chancellor Angela Merkel may have taken a severe beating with the politician only just managing to scrape through with her political dictum, there’s always something interesting and inspiring in Germany to ride home about.
The common saying in the past few decades has been that you take Germany out of Europe and what you are left with is a lacklustre, bland continent, despite it being a rich melange of history, literature and culture. Among the most fascinating modern-age marvels of Germany are its famous Autobahns. Even as to the layman, they are quite similar to North American freeways and expressways, but in reality, they are anything but alike. And truth be told, a world of a difference.
But just what is it about the German Autobahns that make them such a collectively admired sight in the whole wide world? Let’s try to understand the same through simple and everyday relatable examples.
You would hardly see any Police on the Autobahns
A common citing in most other countries’ freeways and highways is the presence of police. Often heavily manning these speedy zones riddled by accidents and uncertainties, you won’t find a similar scenario in Germany’s Autobahns. It’s actually quite rare to find any German “Polizei” on the Autobahns. So unless one is engaging in something that is either outrageous or illegal, there’s never a concern about being tailgated by cops on German Autobahns.
Fun about driving on Autobahns comes from cars that’ve been heavily secured
German cars and then driving them on an Autobahn. Consider it to be out on your hot favourite date on a long weekend. The idea is mind-bending and replete with fun. But the real fun about driving in German Autobahns comes from the sheer security checks that cars have to go through, routinely before being passed on for driving on roads. Germany cares deeply about its citizen’s safety. Therefore, cars, a common mode of transport, have to undergo and clear a strict country-wide safety standard, without which you simply cannot ride. That’s something you may not particularly spot in the US where state-by-state security checks and passages are executed.
A simple but heavily complied driving rule
Once you are on the German Autobahns, you’ll observe that the lane meant for passing is to your left. Therefore, for all other things, you keep your vehicle in motion to the right. The left lane is meant strictly for passing and nothing else. It’s this simple, uncomplicated rule that manifests in safety and great hassle-free commuting in one of the most prosperous European economies.
Excellent standards of roads
A factor that puts Germany in a separate bracket from other countries is the condition of roads. German roads are almost always in an excellent, drive-able condition. A major reason for the success of the German Autobahns is that they are constructed with multiple layers of concrete. This aids in smoother traction and convenient drivability. The roads are also subjected to stringent inspections that happen throughout the year. That too, throughout the year, regardless of weather changes. If that’s not cool, then what is?
German Drivers: a rare breed
You have to forget the Michael Schumacher’s or Sebastian Vettel’s for now for they are on another plane of excellence. Truth is, German drivers are usually so diligent, cautious and error-free that it reflects well in the overall experience you gauge when you’re out there on the Autobahns. The reason behind German drivers’ safe maneuvres is because they source their licence upon a stringent mechanism of tests and clearances. Among the hardest things to ever source in Germany is one’s driving licence. Drivers are actually trained and made to pass a test on the Autobahns and formalities, at times, take up to six months of time. In the end, you cannot help but emerge dedicated and very efficient. Safety is always good, right?