53. German Autobahns

53. Die Autobahn  

The German transport system is excellent in general. Trains, buses, trams to and within most cities are well planned and run very efficiently. The freeway system network criss-crossing the country can provide you with an interesting experience to say the least.

The quickest and most direct road system involves a freeway known as an Autobahn (lit. car track). Most have 3 lanes on either side of the road and are usually separated from traffic coming in the opposite direction.

For an Australian driver, the first occasion on the Autobahn is a little mind blowing. I was driving a recently purchased second hand Volkswagen Kombi fitted out for camping with no side windows and a curtain across the back. Two big side mirrors were the only real assistance I had to see what was coming up from behind me given that pushing the rear curtain aside was almost next to useless.

Picture the scene ... first time driving in a foreign country, driving on the right hand side of the road, gear stick on the right not left but thankfully the pedals were the same! Lane one, nearest the edge of the road is for the slower vehicles and international transport trucks are often restricted to this lane only. That was definitely me at the start but this lane usually has a minimum speed of 100 kph.

The second lane is where most cars travel and usually about 130 -140kph. If you are used to rolling along at 100 -110 kph as in my country, this is a bit of a shock to the system. Funny thing though, before too long, it is amazing how you soon get used to rolling along at 130 kph yourself.

The third lane ... now we are talking! Unless you have purchased for yourself the latest supercharged Mercedes, BMW or Porsche, I suggest you avoid this lane unless you are absolutely certain that nobody is racing up behind you from at least a kilometre or two. I did say racing and I meant it! Speeds (well) in excess of 200 kph are not uncommon in certain areas. Although it is supposed to be illegal, cars will spot you from a long way back and flash their lights and blast their horns telling you to move over. The general belief here is that the roads are top class and German cars are capable of doing these speeds safely but in event of an accident, drivers have to be able to justify their actions.

One other word of caution. Be very careful on the Autobahn in bad weather. I am talking here not just about rain but also in snow and ice especially if there is the possibility of black ice [Glatteis]. This phenomenon usually occurs after a brief rain shower. Freezing temperatures can occur if the clouds clear and black ice can form on the road surface making skidding a real possibility. You don't see the ice, just the black of the road. Multiple car pile-ups are not unusual with tragic consequences.

German Hire Car with 'HH'  (Hansestadt Hamburg) Number Plate