Driving in Germany

300920. Let me say right now, that I am going to change to format of my blog as of today, with the latest writings or ramblings being at the top of the page with older stuff at the bottom. It took a while to realise this but it will definitely improve your reading 🙂

The land of Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Ford, Opel and Porsche for a little bit of speed. Germany survives on selling or leasing cars. This might be why you seldom see an old car driving around – except mine which was built in 2004. It’s a Mitsubishi Charisma and was actually built in Born, Holland. I really love my car. Yes, some things have gone wrong with it and I have always taken it back to the SEAT dealer where I bought it from. They have always been really kind to me whenever I have had little problems or just want something checked. Excellent service from a non-Mitsubishi dealer.
So being an Englishman, growing up driving on the left, I have lived and driven in lots of countries and so am used to driving on the right. Some German friends ask what it is like to drive on the “wrong side” but I just say that I am used to it. But, I would advise caution if you are going to drive in England as you do have to think quickly whenever you are, for instance, at a roundabout or a cross roads. Traffic lights change at a different speed than in Germany, no 5 seconds between orange and red.
There are different road systems here. Firstly you have the Autobahn (will stick to German definitions of these) then you have the Bundesstrasse. These are called “A” roads in England or main trunk roads. Then there are the “B” class roads which I would call a single track road. Then there are the country roads which I would call a Feldstrasse.
The Autobahn is designed to be a fast road to join the country together. Started in 1933 under Adolf Hitler supposedly to ease the unemployment problem and from then on, steadily expanding.
The first piece of advice to give a new driver in Germany is: however fast you are driving, always keep looking in your rear view mirror, because there is always someone faster than you! This is the country where you can drive nearly everywhere on the Autobahn without any speed restriction. But, as soon as you come off the Autobahn beware because there are lots and lots of radar traps. There are also cunningly disguised mobile traps that the “Polizei” move around to catch you. Many of these are painted grey and white so the trailers are difficult to see, especially at night! The voice of experience speaking here. Cunning people, so always be aware of the speed restrictions, unless you have enough money to pay for the fine. For more information look here. https://www.bussgeldkatalog.org/german-driving-laws/

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