I have driven in Germany (among other places), and have found it to be one of the most ordered places to drive in worldwide. For those that have not experienced it, do not prejudge. I admit it has been awhile since my last visit and I understand that things change; I even hear tell that there are speed limits on more and more sections of the autobahn. Whatever your views on speed, be it known that Germany without a speed limit had a better fatality rate per miles driven than the USA did during many years of the national 55 MPH speed limit. What was it that allowed this to be so? As I said before, it is a well ordered place.
Germany has some core rules that they make sure drivers know, not just have a passing familiarity with, before they are issued a license. When all the drivers know the rules and are expected to play by those rules, then you can safely make expectations for what the other drivers will do in most any given situation. This makes for a much smoother driving experience no matter what the speed.
Drivers in Germany know how to use a turn signal, know how to use rear view mirrors, know how to yield to the right of way and know who has the right of way at any given intersection, they know proper passing techniques, they know how to merge, and they know that slower traffic keeps right. Not only do they know how to do these things, they actually do these things. That may be the key difference.
I think that traffic laws and driving habits are a metaphor for a society, and slower traffic keep right is one of the greatest indicators of the state of a nation. Slower traffic keep right is an indication of the harmony that exist within a society.
There was a comedian (I wish I could remember his name) that had a bit about anyone driving faster than him was crazy. “Look at that driver, he’s nuts. Driving that fast is going to kill someone, he must be insane.” While anyone driving slower was a moron, “Would you look at this guy, c’mon all ready, were not getting any younger, what an idiot.”
Slower traffic keep right is a way to allow all drivers to peaceably coexist on the roads today at the same time. Those that wish to travel faster can as well as those that wish to travel at a more leisurely pace. This is a way to recognize that we are not all the same, that we all have different skills and abilities and needs and desires, and that each drivers’ needs can be met despite those differences. This also allows for changes in needs and skills and desires of the driver to meet whatever needs apply at the time.
Slower traffic keep right reflects the abilities of the drivers and the faith of the lawmakers in turning over trust to those drivers. How much daily detail decision making ability is left in the hands of individuals and how much is mandated or dictated or directed and actively enforced is a real indicator of how much freedom a nation enjoys. That is why I think traffic laws are a pretty good reflection of the level of freedom and liberties a nation’s people have. The tighter the reigns are held on simple daily tasks, the less likely headway will be allowed in other areas and aspects of life.
On to Part 3, or back to Part 1
This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.
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