[Autobahn] Highway speed limit plan irks Germans

[tuvor]

BERLIN - An EU official called on Germany to give up the famous freedom of its highways and impose speed limits on the autobahn to fight global warming — a demand that drew angry responses on Sunday in a country that cherishes what it calls "free driving for free citizens."

The call came as the German government makes action against climate change a priority of its current presidencies of the EU and Group of Eight.

Still, the German environment minister showed little enthusiasm for EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas' suggestion and a group representing the country's auto industry said it needed "no coaching on efficient climate protection from Brussels."

Many stretches of German autobahn lack speed limits — traditionally a cherished freedom in a rule-bound country. However, the growing concern over carbon dioxide emissions is putting that tradition under renewed scrutiny.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070311/ap_on_re_eu/germany_speed_limits

[silverojo]

1. Screw the Germans' whining

They've been driving like idiots for too long. It's about time they joined the ranks of civilized countries.

[Nihil]

2. *snigger*

> They've been driving like idiots for too long.
> It's about time they joined the ranks of civilized countries.

Hmmm ... coming from a country where 60mph is "speeding" and where
there is not a huge difference in road traffic accident fatalities?

Germany 9.7 people killed per billion (10^9) vehicle kilometres (2003)
USA 9.4

(source: International Road Traffic and Accident Database (IRTAD))


Don't get me wrong - a more economical speed is definitely better - but
to hear "driving like idiots" from the home of wallowing unstable
petrol-guzzling tanks just made me laugh!