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Comment by eru | Hacker News Reader

I don't think the commenter you replied to was particularly set on the specific example of a 55 mph speed limit?

In any case, from what you quote here, it seems Americans driving fast occasionally is worthy the stuff of legend? In Germany those speeds would be just another Tuesday.

About half of German Autobahnen famously don't have a speed limit. The recommended speed is 130 km/h (~80 mph).

Of course, petrol costs a lot more in Germany than in the US. In practice, that tends to limit driving much more.

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> Of course, petrol costs a lot more in Germany than in the US. In practice, that tends to limit driving much more

Not really. People that drive a lot or like to save money just buy more fuel efficient cars - whenever I read about fuel efficiency of US cars (and bother to convert gallons and miles to units I understand) I am shocked how super inefficient many vehicles on the US market are, especially given that speed limit - likely due to much lower petrol cost.

What you describe is true; but petrol costs still limit driving. If driving was cheaper in Germany, more driving would happen. Especially more faster driving.

>I don't think the commenter you replied to was particularly set on the specific example of a 55 mph speed limit?

I was making a more general point too, and I'm sorry if you took my comment too literally.

In Germany it would be another Tuesday, because it would be legal. Driving fast according to the law doesn't represent the same thing, which is connected to that cultural difference I was observing.

>German Autobahn speed limit

Sadly its not that simple :( 'Czech millionaire investigated over alleged 417km/h motorway drive in Germany' https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60301705

Yes, you still have to drive safely. That's a lot more nebulous than just looking at velocity numbers.

Another thing to keep in mind, is that if you drive fast enough in Germany, and anything happens, the burden of proof shifts: the (extreme) speeder is presumed guilty of causing the accident until proven innocent.

Fun fact, the incident you linked to happened where I grew up.

But afaik there was no "incident", dude just drove fast on a road with no speed limit and some politicians decided to score few points?

Unsafe driving by itself is against the law in Germany. Even if no one was hurt.

You can argue that the law is bad and just be repealed, of course.

(Or like the guy in the article, you can have your lawyer try and argue in court that the law doesn't apply in this case. As a competent lawyer should in a fair trial.)

Not sure any politician was involved in the first place? Though of course politicians might utter opinions on the whole thing. As they should, so that voters can decide who to vote for, if they are in favour or against this law.

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