Why can't we have an autobahn?

[Lefty]

I was pretending the Garden State Parkway was the Autobahn the other day… I was cruising home from work at my new house at 110MPH. Does that count?

I regularly cruise that 12 mile stretch at 95-100.

You can do that?

 

[Snoranger]

You can do that?

Legally… no.

 

[bhgl]

Rural four lanes, set the cruise and let 'er eat. I make much better time than on a two lane and passing is much safer too.

I live in Northern Ontario, and it's basically all 2 lane 90 KpH highways, with some exceptions where you'll get brief moments of 4 Lane highways near some of the larger cities up here, but they only last 30-50 kilometers at most.

They are truly blissful when they come about, and safer, but that's for us rural folk to enjoy. As soon as the populations counts start going over 70 000 that's when adding more lanes, and less trains starts to be a problem.

 

[RobbieD]

America's transportation infrastructure is most defintely showing its age. More trains wouldn't hurt either. Taking a flight is no better. Remember when there were once comfortable seats? When you could check your baggage for free? When they served meals?

And when you could smoke on a plane.

 

[superj]

/\ those were terrible times.

i hated riding on planes and eating in restaurants with smokers. what a horrible experience. i was so glad when they started making people go outside to smoke.

i had friends who's parents smoked and when riding with them, they would have the windows up and both non-stop smoking. i would be dying in the back seat trying to filter air with my shirt over my mouth and nose

 

[bhgl]

/\ those were terrible times.

i hated riding on planes and eating in restaurants with smokers. what a horrible experience. i was so glad when they started making people go outside to smoke.

i had friends who's parents smoked and when riding with them, they would have the windows up and both non-stop smoking. i would be dying in the back seat trying to filter air with my shirt over my mouth and nose

I've been an on and off smoker for the better part of 10 years and I agree with you.

Even as someone who enjoys tobacco, other people's smoke genuinely makes me feel uncomfortable. The few times I smoked indoors the smell lingered for DAYS, I can't imagine what the average bar or restaurant would be like after decades.

 

[sgtsandman]

America's transportation infrastructure is most defintely showing its age. More trains wouldn't hurt either. Taking a flight is no better. Remember when there were once comfortable seats? When you could check your baggage for free? When they served meals?

Flying today has been reduced to glorified cattle cars and the security system being like the cattle pens leading up to the cattle cars. I hate commercial flying and avoid it where at all possible. There are times when one can't avoid it, time, money, or both but generally, I would rather drive. Depending on the location, driving might even be faster once you factor in parking, checking luggage, going through security, getting your luggage at the desitation, and arranging for transportation. Not necessarily cheaper, just faster.

 

[Lefty]

Legally… no.

But there's enough open road?

 

[Lefty]

Flying today has been reduced to glorified cattle cars and the security system being like the cattle pens leading up to the cattle cars. I hate commercial flying and avoid it where at all possible. There are times when one can't avoid it, time, money, or both but generally, I would rather drive. Depending on the location, driving might even be faster once you factor in parking, checking luggage, going through security, getting your luggage at the desitation, and arranging for transportation. Not necessarily cheaper, just faster.

Maybe that's how we all feel. Maybe that's why the roads are are so busy. At least the seat in my little black Ranger is more comfortable. Maybe America needs more planes, trains, and wider roads.

 

[Snoranger]

But there's enough open road?

It depends on the day and time. I’m usually coming home late when there aren’t many people on the road… and they’re all trying to get somewhere fast.
I take advantage of open stretches of highway:

 

[gaz]

As I understand it there are distinct differences between the construction of the Autobahn and your average US highway, here are 2:
1) thickness of concrete under pavement for the:
• Autobahn = 18"
• US highway 4"
(reference, The Discovery Channel show "Modern Marvels")
2) maintenance
• Autobahn, a quarter sized divit rates immediate repair
• a kettle sized pot hole may or may not face timely repair

While I was stationed in Japan, I was required to posses a professional International driver's license...bottom line, if something went wrong, it would be my fault.

I drove on the Japanese equivalent of the Autobahn, which is named the Tomie in Japan. A driver could drive as fast as they wanted but if something went wrong, the driver would be held ABSOLUTELY accountable; the standards and liabilities in Japan are nothing like in the USA. A road that is built specify for high speed use FEELS remarkable better under the car.

Out in town in Japan, on a 2 way road just wider than a full size US pick up, going 40 kph was a risk; on their standard highway with a posted 85 kph, 135 kph felt reasonable if no one else were on it.

I had an automobile that I rebuilt capable of driving over 130 mph but with any degree of prudence, more like 85-95. At 90 mph, it pulled to the ground and handled very well but the faster an automobile moves the faster things can go to crap.

That being said, though sometimes a bit of a pill to swallow, I am comfortable moving about 60 mph in a vehicle that I gave purpose build with safety as the for front; knowing full and well that the kid passing my may have less regard for their own safety, let alone mine.

Driving in arenas like Orange County, San Diego and LA California with 16/18 and 20 lane section of highway parallel to Fast pass toll lanes for those that must get there faster, legally...I am still comfortable @ 60 mph, hopefully, with my vehicles powerplant sipping as little fuel as necessary to get the job done

 

[Lefty]

As I understand it there are distinct differences between the construction of the Autobahn and your average US highway, here are 2:
1) thickness of concrete under pavement for the:
• Autobahn = 18"
• US highway 4"
(reference, The Discovery Channel show "Modern Marvels")
2) maintenance
• Autobahn, a quarter sized divit rates immediate repair
• a kettle sized pot hole may or may not face timely repair

While I was stationed in Japan, I was required to posses a professional International driver's license...bottom line, if something went wrong, it would be my fault.

I drove on the Japanese equivalent of the Autobahn, which is named the Tomie in Japan. A driver could drive as fast as they wanted but if something went wrong, the driver would be held ABSOLUTELY accountable; the standards and liabilities in Japan are nothing like in the USA. A road that is built specify for high speed use FEELS remarkable better under the car.

Out in town in Japan, on a 2 way road just wider than a full size US pick up, going 40 kph was a risk; on their standard highway with a posted 85 kph, 135 kph felt reasonable if no one else were on it.

I had an automobile that I rebuilt capable of driving over 130 mph but with any degree of prudence, more like 85-95. At 90 mph, it pulled to the ground and handled very well but the faster an automobile moves the faster things can go to crap.

That being said, though sometimes a bit of a pill to swallow, I am comfortable moving about 60 mph in a vehicle that I gave purpose build with safety as the for front; knowing full and well that the kid passing my may have less regard for their own safety, let alone mine.

Driving in arenas like Orange County, San Diego and LA California with 16/18 and 20 lane section of highway parallel to Fast pass toll lanes fir those that must get there faster, legally...I am still comfortable @ 60 mph, hopefully, with my vehicles powerplant sipping as little fuel as necessary to get the job done

 

[JohnnyO]

Near the cities in Germany the Autobahn turns into a traffic jam like anywhere else.

 

[Lefty]

Near the cities in Germany the Autobahn turns into a traffic jam like anywhere else.

Maybe, but here in the USA you can travel hundreds of miles of bumper-to-bumper. I remember driving from Pittsburgh to Chicago bumper-to-bumper all of the way. That drive alone comes close to the entire length of Germany. I've encountered the same driving from Chicago to Detroit, from Boston to New York, or Boston to Niagra Falls. An extra lane or two would relieve congestion, allow for greater safety, and make for a more timely arrival.

Years ago, Boston expressways were so crowded, they changed the laws, allowing motorists to drive on the shoulders.

 

[901wd#2]

We could, be a good use of all the special express toll roads. Just require an endorsement on the license tied to the ez pass. Don’t need no Altimas with temporary tires and flapping bumpers screwing things up.

I love cruising at triple digit speeds, there are very few roads that are in good enough condition to do that mile after mile.