Are German autobahns really safe in spite of not having speed limits? We reveal the truth and debunk the myth.
German autobahns have always been a source of fascination for drivers around the world. When people chat about the speed limits on freeways drivers often point to the German Autobahn and argue that the autobahn is just as safe as our freeway and they don’t have a speed limits, therefore obviously speed limits don’t make a freeway any safer. But is this really the case? Let’s take a closer look.
Firstly, it’s important to note that only about 60% of German autobahns have no speed limit. In fact around built-up areas the speed is restricted, usually to between 95 – 115km/hr. So, the notion that German autobahns are completely unrestricted is simply not true.
Secondly, the European Transport Safety Council reported that there were over 600 road deaths in Germany, of which nearly 70% happened on sections of the autobahn where there was no speed limit, and only 30% on sections where speed was limited. This statistic alone highlights the dangers of driving at high speeds and the importance of speed limits in preventing accidents and fatalities.
Numerous other studies have also shown the direct link between speed and car accidents. According to the World Health Organization, for every 1% increase in speed, the risk of a crash resulting in injury increases by 4%, and the risk of a fatal crash increases by 3%.
While the idea of having no speed limits on the autobahn may sound thrilling, it’s important to remember that speed limits exist for a reason. They are put in place to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, and to prevent accidents and fatalities on the road.
So, the next time you hear someone claim that German autobahns prove we don’t need speed limits, remember the facts. Speed limits are crucial for road safety, and should not be taken for granted.
