Left Lane Drivers Beware!

[Spider5]

Can't say if it is the same now as it was the last time I was in Germany (1986), but I know that it used to be much harder to get a license there.

First of all, you had to be 18 {not sure if I agree with this idea, though}.

Second, driver education was mandatory for everyone. It was a lengthy period of time between taking the written test and actually being allowed to drive unsupervised. Not only is the driver training mandatory, but each motorist has to actually pay for it themselves - or it at least used to be that way.

Third, the test included driving on ice, maneuvering on a skid pad, handling wet roads, executing high-speed lane changes and evasive action, etc, etc. Oh, and everyone has to learn how to operate a car with a manual transmission. Now that is something I could agree with here. You never know when you may have to do it.

Finally, they are much more into etiquette than here in the USA. Turn signal usage is strictly enforced and you will get a traffic ticket if you are caught in the left lane while not overtaking someone.

I suppose their whole culture is just different. Most USA drivers just look at driving as a necessary evil required to get from one place to another. Germans, though, almost view fine, smooth, safe and swift driving as a form of art -- much like fine horsemanship. They're in a hurry, but are typically more conscious of other cars on the road than are Americans and they generally are much more courteous when merging, changing lanes, etc., etc.

The worst thing I remember about traveling through Germany was that they go like 100+ mph in thick fog. Now that is enough to unravel the nerves of almost anybody.....and definitely takes some getting used to!! Perhaps that is why a lot of cars over there have a "third" brake light at bumper level that illuminates when the front fog lamps are activated.

One more very important thing that is missing big time in the US. Depending on your driving record you need to retest every 3-5 years to proof your skills are still good enough to drive. Most places in the US they just check if your blind. :awais:

 

[RickyCRX]

What, you mean people can't just get the licenses out of Cracker Jack boxes in Germany???

I swear that's where a vast majority of US drivers get theirs from.

Ricky

 

[neliconcept]

i took a semi racing/defensive course at the bmw track here in greer SC and that was fun but taught me a lot,

i think people should be required to take that if they have a wreck or get a serious ticket.

it teaches alot and its so much fun to do, example: z4 on a test track doing lapped times. 330i doing the skid pad and what not. its fun

 

[CuzzinOlaf]

i agree 110%. It's a law here in NC too. I actually have a sticker on my rear window so i can speed up cut them off then slam on my brakes to make sure they read it.

I can't stand people who drive in the left lane. It is the law in most states and yet these idiots get right onto the highway and shoot the the left lane to go slow.

LAWS: http://www.driverightpassleft.com/laws/index.asp

http://www.driverightpassleft.com/

I have this on the back of my daily driver.

 

[broncosi]

yeah you can get the sticker that i have for free from HERE.

just go to the bottom area and you send an email to them with your adress.

 

[broncosi]

haha, i just read through the site and this is the last paragraph about the sticker:

Display your www.slowertraffickeepright.com bumper sticker.
If you are in the right lane and want to get into the left lane, and you have your bumper sticker, the guy you are pulling in front of in the left lane will know that you won't take bloody ages to pass the slow guy in the right lane. Because you have your bumper sticker other people will know you will consider going 2 m.p.h. faster than you really want to, if necessary, to expedite the passing of the slow car.

 

[Bouncnb]

Can't say if it is the same now as it was the last time I was in Germany (1986), but I know that it used to be much harder to get a license there.

First of all, you had to be 18 {not sure if I agree with this idea, though}.

Second, driver education was mandatory for everyone. It was a lengthy period of time between taking the written test and actually being allowed to drive unsupervised. Not only is the driver training mandatory, but each motorist has to actually pay for it themselves - or it at least used to be that way.

Third, the test included driving on ice, maneuvering on a skid pad, handling wet roads, executing high-speed lane changes and evasive action, etc, etc. Oh, and everyone has to learn how to operate a car with a manual transmission. Now that is something I could agree with here. You never know when you may have to do it.

Finally, they are much more into etiquette than here in the USA. Turn signal usage is strictly enforced and you will get a traffic ticket if you are caught in the left lane while not overtaking someone.

I suppose their whole culture is just different. Most USA drivers just look at driving as a necessary evil required to get from one place to another. Germans, though, almost view fine, smooth, safe and swift driving as a form of art -- much like fine horsemanship. They're in a hurry, but are typically more conscious of other cars on the road than are Americans and they generally are much more courteous when merging, changing lanes, etc., etc.

The worst thing I remember about traveling through Germany was that they go like 100+ mph in thick fog. Now that is enough to unravel the nerves of almost anybody.....and definitely takes some getting used to!! Perhaps that is why a lot of cars over there have a "third" brake light at bumper level that illuminates when the front fog lamps are activated.

Some of that stuff is the same. Some has changed. Here are a few things about German driving.
1. You do have to be 18 to get a licence. But, farhshule (driving school), is no longer mandatory, but if you want a lower insuance bracket it is advised. The rate for initial is signifigantly lower.
2. If you do go to and complete, key word complete, the price for a license was in 2002...about 1500 euros, plus the cost of school. Without its was about 2500 euros. Motorcycles are alot higher and the pricing and driving restrictions are greater.
3. About the speeds...for the most part now, there are speed limits on the autobahn. While there are still some no restrictions areas, they are getting harder and harder to find. Atleast where you can actually open up your car and go balls to the wall. The typical speed limit for the most part, because of vehicle congestion, is 130kph. Remember they haven't added really any new or widened any autobahn in about 25 years.
4. When they haver accidents on the autobahn, they aren't minor by any stretch and usually end up in some sort of pile up or vehicle desintigration.
5. If you hit someone from th rear, you are automatically at fault. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. There are no if, ands, or buts about it.
6. Most important they look at driving the way it should be. A PRIVILAGE.....NOT A RIGHT!!

PS. Don't ever mess or screw with the Polizei and watch out for cameras!

 

[Jeff Kleb]

That is some good stuff ( http://www.slowertraffickeepright.com ), but those of us who "know" the real deal should try to get friends and family members to visit the site.

Here in VA it is indeed the law and signs saying "Slower Traffic Keep Right" are posted in many places along the highways. Enforcement is another matter, though, and you are less likely to see a motorist get a ticket for this offense than you are to be invited to dinner at the White House.
:bash:

Truth is, it is easier and more politically correct to target "speeders" than it is to actually enforce other laws on the books that would honestly make our roads safer, less stressful and more efficient.

Aside from that, there is not any "matching federal highway funds" that states can get for enforcing lane discipline or turn signal usage.





EDIT: Thanks for the update on driving in Deutschland (Germany). I figured they had made some changes over the years. I wonder what their laws are regarding cell phones. They obviously did not have them when I last visited.

 

[Bouncnb]

EDIT: Thanks for the update on driving in Deutschland (Germany). I figured they had made some changes over the years. I wonder what their laws are regarding cell phones. They obviously did not have them when I last visited.

It is against the law. It is a primary offense. Meaning they can pull you over for it. It is either hands free or pull off the side of the road, but not on autobahn. You can only stop at the rest stops. I believe the fine for first time offense is about 200 euros. That is what it was when I left in 2004. Almost every country over in Europe has stiff fines for that. And yes people can still write down your license plate number and call the Polizei on you. My ex girlfriend did it and gave them all this info and next thing I know that guy is pulled over, she makes me stop and they give that guy a citation. They don't play.