TheSonntag From Germany, joined Jun 2005, 3347 posts, RR: 30 Posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 1484 times:
What do you think, shall motorways like the US Interstates, the Autobahn and so on, have speed limits or not?
I am very thankful that Germany has no speed limits. In urban areas where it is needed, we have limits, but other than that, we have no limits. So when there is no traffic, you can easily drive faster than 200 km/h (more than 130 mph).
I think having no speed limit forces people to be more alert, thus driving better.
Jamesbuk From United Kingdom, joined May 2005, 3968 posts, RR: 5 Reply 1, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 1465 times:
I think like you say, yeh in rural areas of course but on motorways, no way simply because people are more worried looking out for cops and maybe camera's they dont concentrate as much on driving sensibly!
Rgds --James--
You cant have your cake and eat it... What the hells the point in having it then!!!
YooYoo From Canada, joined Nov 2003, 6055 posts, RR: 53 Reply 2, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 1445 times:
Lets keep in mind highways or interstates over here (North America) are designed for certain maximum speeds....to keep in line with certain radius for directional change and line of sight maximum/minimums. So, over here we need limits.
I'm almost certain that the highways in Ontario are designed for 120 km/h. So this is why we have a 100 km/h limit. I guess they take into account a 20% safety factor?.
In Saskatchewan, i'm all for a no-limit limit
I've been to Germany and love the "open" autobahns, but i think in some instances we need limits and these limits should be enforced because many out there can't drive .....period !!
I am so smart, i am so smart... S-M-R-T... i mean S-M-A-R-T
JAGflyer From Canada, joined Aug 2004, 3321 posts, RR: 4 Reply 3, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 1442 times:
The speed limit on the Ontario highways is 100km/h but people (including me and my dad) usually drive 120-125km/h if clear. We even did 145km/h for a few seconds last week.
Supported the beer and soda can industry, recycle old airplanes!
I know many people can't drive, but this is where I think having no limit helps... People who can't drive stay on the right
About the design speed, I think it is true that the USA and Canada, as much bigger countries than Germany, certainly cannot spend as much money on every mile of the road network than European country, so that it is not possible to design a road with a higher design speed, which, of course, is more expensive.
But most Autobahnen in Germany also have a design speed of around 120-130 km/h, it is just legal to drive faster...
I think having a higher limit encourages the state to design better, and thus safer roads. I understand this is difficult in large countries, but it gets visible in Denmark: They increased the limit to 130km/h, but parts of their road network is not designed for that, so the limit is 110. I feel safer on the stretches which are designed for 130, because the bridges aren't so narrow.
Scott0305 From United Kingdom, joined May 2005, 196 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 1430 times:
Uk motorways are clearly designed for much faster speeds than the "official" 70mph limit and the majority of drivers seem to drive as fast as conditions allow which is usually between 80 and 100mph. It would also seem that in most place on the m-way network the police will turn a blind eye to anything other than reckless speeding.
FlyVirgin744 From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 1313 posts, RR: 1 Reply 6, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 1413 times:
If a speed limit is set correctly I don't mind it, its the assholes that enforce it.
Sometimes I go about in pity for myself and all the while a great wind carries me across the sky.
ArmitageShanks From UK - England, joined Dec 2003, 3362 posts, RR: 16 Reply 8, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 1398 times:
I think the traffic on 90% of interstate highways prevents speeds in excess of 85-90 MPH on a long term basis.
I used to drive from Nashville to Johnson City (about 300 miles) twice a week and I averaged about 80-85 MPH on the interstate. Anything higher than that is more work than gain because of the traffic and road design.
LTBEWR From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 12337 posts, RR: 12 Reply 9, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 1395 times:
You have to have reasonable speed limits on divided, limited access roads (like USA Interstates) for several reasons. You have a variety of traffic from microcars to big trucks to high performace cars and safe max speeds they can be driven safely at. Vehicles can be in varying conditions or have tires or brakes not designed for sustained high speed driving. You have a wide variety of drivers in experience or ability with some who can safely drive up to 65 and a very few who can drive at 120. You also cannot have differences in speeds like 90 vs. 60 MPH as that causes very hazardous conditions. Besides, if you didn't have speed limits, how could many states and local towns make any money via speeding tickets
Vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8228 posts, RR: 28 Reply 10, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 1391 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW PHOTO SCREENER
Quoting LTBEWR (Reply 9): You also cannot have differences in speeds like 90 vs. 60 MPH as that causes very hazardous conditions.
Heh, around Boston there is always a difference in speeds from 85 or so down to 55 or so, even with quite a bit of traffic on the highways (and even in areas where the speed limit is 55). People are usually pretty good about not hogging the left lane at lower speeds (especially compared to Los Angeles, where people don't have a freakin clue how to drive).
I probably wouldn't drive faster than around 90 mph even if there were no speed limits; as stated, you'd be pushing the design speeds of the highways. That said, if would be nice on some long, straight stretches of highway (like driving out in the desert between Los Angeles and Phoenix), where you could easily drive over 100 mph.
~Vik
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
UA777222 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 3348 posts, RR: 13 Reply 11, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 1377 times:
There are certain parts around here in Norcal where it's 65-70max but the rest is 80-95 as the flow. I think new drivers should slowly adjust to the consistant speed increases but I know for a fact that on CA-24 near my home a CHP officer won't pull anyone over if they pass him going 75-80. The fastest I have ever passed a cop was on the on-ramp near my home at 86 and he just waved as I peed my pants.
STLGph From United States of America, joined Oct 2004, 8981 posts, RR: 27 Reply 12, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 1377 times:
I really like states where the speed limit is 75 on the interstates. I really really do!
Of course, states like Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, etc. etc.....the speed limit should well above that. Oy.
Eternal darkness we all should dread. It's hard to party when you're dead.
N766UA From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 7996 posts, RR: 27 Reply 13, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 1372 times:
They should have speed limits that aren't for 1960s era cars. Additionally, as long as you're driving safely a cop shouldn't care if you're speeding. For example, it's 3AM.. nobody is one the road, who cares if you do 75?
Oh and one more thing, I'm sick of city cops on state highways. If they wanna get rich off state property they should have to plow it in the winter and fill potholes in the summer.
Andz From South Africa, joined Feb 2004, 8298 posts, RR: 11 Reply 14, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 1367 times:
The speed limit here is 120km/h but I usually cruise at between 140 and 160 depending on the traffic and weather. The motorways here are pretty good and higher speeds are not dangerous from a road point of view, the other traffic is the problem.
After Monday and Tuesday even the calendar says WTF...
ManuCH From Switzerland, joined Jun 2005, 2971 posts, RR: 51 Reply 15, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 1359 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW HEAD MODERATOR
The speed limit in Switzerland is 120km/h, but I usually drive about 145 - just about what you can still pay a fine for (around $200) if they catch you. Everything above that (or above 150, I don't remember) could mean a license suspension, which I really don't need.
Unlimited speeds in Switzerland wouldn't be sensible IMHO, there aren't enough highways in this small country where the road topology (turns, mountains, width) would allow you to go faster than 160 or so safely anyway.
Funny story: my boss is getting a license suspension of 1 month because they caught him driving 114 km/h on an 80 km/h road (not a highway) - in the company's Smart car! He was driving 200+ km/h all the time with his $160K Mercedes CL55AMG and they *never* caught him. Now that's bad luck
NeilYYZ From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 1359 times:
Quoting YooYoo (Reply 2):
In Saskatchewan, i'm all for a no-limit limit
Does anyone actually live in Saskatchewan?
I'm all for speed-limits, I don't need the 16 year old who just got his license and has no idea how to drive, but thinks he F1 worthy, to drive daddy's porsche up my exhaust.
Skidmarks From UK - England, joined Dec 2004, 7121 posts, RR: 60 Reply 17, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 1354 times:
No motorways - no problem - no speed limit!
There are no motorways on the Isle of Man. The speed limit is basically as fast as you like on certain roads, although there is a move afoot to introduce an island wide limit - 50mph I think.
Some drivers take this literally and unfortunately seem to forget that there are things called bends!
However, I think a speed restriction in areas that have heavy traffic is a good idea. Open roads in rural areas should be limitless (motorways that is, not country lanes!)
Saintsman From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2002, 2065 posts, RR: 2 Reply 18, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 1350 times:
Until people learn lane discipline there is no point in having un-restricted speeds because too many people will be in the wrong lane. If someone is going significantly faster in the outside lane than the person plodding along in front there is the potential for an accident. In Germany, people automatically move over after they have overtaken. You don't find that in the UK and in the US people drive in whatever lane they feel like.
TheSonntag From Germany, joined Jun 2005, 3347 posts, RR: 30 Reply 19, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 1328 times:
Quoting Saintsman (Reply 18): In Germany, people automatically move over after they have overtaken. You don't find that in the UK and in the US people drive in whatever lane they feel like.
That is the whole point. In Germany we have a strict rule which says that you MUST drive on the right unless you overtake (Rechtsfahrgebot), and passing on the right side is strictly forbidden.
This is my whole point. People in Germany are used to the high speed and drive different. That does not mean they drive better, in fact there are no other roads where the driving style is so aggressive (many hate that, I must admit it is somewhat cool). Yet the system works.
DAL767400ER From Germany, joined Feb 2005, 5721 posts, RR: 50 Reply 20, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 1323 times:
In urban areas, I'm definitely in favor of speedlimits, though except in tunnels and on very curvy roads, everything under 100km/h is annoying. Particularly when it is because of "noise protection" , but that's anoher story. Outside of urban areas, not having speed limits is the way to go IMHO. Nothing better than getting from Hamburg to Hanover in 30 minutes . In fact, I think there are too many areas where the speed limit could be lifted easily, e.g. the A24 Hamburg-Berlin. Most of the parts near Hamburg are 100km/h, despite there being relatively few traffic, and an Autobahn in excellent condition.
TheSonntag From Germany, joined Jun 2005, 3347 posts, RR: 30 Reply 21, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 1315 times:
Quoting DAL767400ER (Reply 20): Most of the parts near Hamburg are 100km/h, despite there being relatively few traffic, and an Autobahn in excellent condition.
One guy from Hamburg sued the authorities because of the speed limits, maybe Germany is the only country in the world where you can sue your state because of speed limits...
He lost, but the case went up to the highest court, and the court ruled that general speed limits on the Autobahn are illegal, there must be important reasons for them, such as lots of accidents on the limited part, road quality, extreme noise issues (a general speed limit because of noise is illegal!) compared to the rest. If other measures which are less limiting promise the same result (like forbidding trucks to overtake), those must be chosen instead.
In Hamburg, the authorities could argument that there were enough reasons for speed limits, because there was lots of traffic, especially when there were holidays. Since people came from many countries (Scandinavia, Germany), holiday periods were different from country to country, so setting a general limit was found to be less confusing than setting a flexible limit.
The courts really wrote several pages analysing why the speed limit was justified.
So everytime you see a speed limit you think is rediculous, you might be able to sue the government! There are examples where speed limits were removed after it was proven that they were not effective.
The homepage of the guy who complained, including the judgements:
Scott2187 From United States of America, joined Feb 2006, 304 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 1304 times:
we have speed limits in america because there are too many idiots on the road... let's face it, there's always some 16 year old kid with mommy and daddy's car trying to go above 100mph the day he gets his license. he is nowhere near experienced enough to be traveling at those speed. then on the same road there's a 65 year old lady driving below the speed limit because she gets scared from everyone else flying past her.
i personally don't mind the speed limits (better gas milage ) but it would be nice to go on a deserted road and cruise every once in a while. we need a road designed like the autobahn that stretches the whole country.
“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
Mrniji From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 24, posted (7 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 1289 times:
Quoting TheSonntag (Thread starter): I think having no speed limit forces people to be more alert, thus driving better.
Interesting way to put it. You should be a politician or part of the Autofahrer lobby
Personally, I am all for a limit. You can discuss about the cap though. Even sth like 160 would at least stop the craziest people (I am with YooYoo:
Quoting YooYoo (Reply 2): I've been to Germany and love the "open" autobahns, but i think in some instances we need limits and these limits should be enforced because many out there can't drive .....period !!
Too many people can't drive properly, they are irresponsible and endanger the lives of others. Relaxed driving can be so nice, sth like 130 would be great in my eyes. And when there is heavy traffic, an overall 130 gives a better flow
Quoting Skidmarks (Reply 17): There are no motorways on the Isle of Man. The speed limit is basically as fast as you like on certain roads, although there is a move afoot to introduce an island wide limit - 50mph I think.
Your great Citroen would not do more - moreover, you as a driver.. no way
25 DAL767400ER: I'm all for expressing ones opinion and demanding right, but suing the government? Ridiculoud, IMHO. Better gather some support, and try reach a cons
26 Mrniji: Agreed on your input (this is so German) - and I wish I could sue those who go with 70 KM/h on the left track and don't yield the way (grandmama gene
27 DAL767400ER: Staying in the left lane, the other way around, I wish I could sue those idiots that tailgate at 150 km/h .
28 Skidmarks: Die, son of Satan!!!!!!!!! Last time I had a car accident was 24 years ago and that was in Germany!!! Some stupid woman stopped at a green traffic li
29 TheSonntag: Well, since we are a nation of cholerics, we could do that. Both can, in fact, be reported to the police, because both behaviours are illegal and cou
30 DAL767400ER: I've learned to ignore that sentence ever since I went to the Ruetli-Schule .
31 TheSonntag: I knew it, u drive a Drrreeierr BeämWäh?
32 DAL767400ER: No digga', I don't even have a fett-krass-konkrett Handy, ey .
Sponsor Message: 
From Germany, joined Jun 2005, 3347 posts, 
From United Kingdom, joined May 2005, 3968 posts, 
From Canada, joined Nov 2003, 6055 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 1313 posts, 
From UK - England, joined Dec 2003, 3362 posts, 
From South Africa, joined Feb 2004, 8298 posts, 
From Switzerland, joined Jun 2005, 2971 posts, 
, but that's anoher story. Outside of urban areas, not having speed limits is the way to go IMHO. Nothing better than getting from Hamburg to Hanover in 30 minutes 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
Printer friendly format 
