Germans also maintain their cars better — showing up in not having that oil stripe down the middle of the lane on highways — and much better at using bicycles in everyday life.
I spent some time driving on the autobahn in Germany. I was in one of the center lanes. The car ahead was slower than me. I looked carefully, saw that no one was coming up from behind, and went out on the left lane to pass. Before I can finish the pass, there is already somebody up on my butt. Came out of nowhere. But yes, the drivers followed predictable rules and were generally courteous. Since Keith is from Boston ,that would likely blow his mind.
I don’t know how it is now, but it used to be to get a driver’s license in Germany, you had to wait until you were 18, and you had to get a perfect score on your driving test.
Here in the US, you can start at 15 (under a “hardship” license in some states) and you only have to show you’re capable of following the most basic of traffic laws like stopping at red lights/stop signs, and not driving aggressively while the person grading you is sitting in the car with you.
Another difference is that Germans shop for groceries every day rather than spending Saturday making the rounds and filling up the back seat.
It didn’t take long for the penny to drop that walking down to the Konsum and Metzgerei every day with my wee string bag consumed a big chunk of the week.
And the German drivers might be better than US drivers (especially Texas and Massachusetts ones) today, but back in the ’60s most of the older ones (those who could afford a car) were both terrified and terrifying. Good practice for Boston, though.
sergioandrade Premium Member about 2 years ago
What do Europeans call someone who only speaks one language? An American.
bxclent Premium Member about 2 years ago
and the can have cheese from raw milk
Hamady Sack Premium Member about 2 years ago
Don’t mention the
Dr. Whom about 2 years ago
That alternative energy source stuff didn’t age well.
Yontrop about 2 years ago
Germans also maintain their cars better — showing up in not having that oil stripe down the middle of the lane on highways — and much better at using bicycles in everyday life.
Chris about 2 years ago
good for them…
ajr58(1) about 2 years ago
moondog42 Premium Member about 2 years ago
I don’t know how it is now, but it used to be to get a driver’s license in Germany, you had to wait until you were 18, and you had to get a perfect score on your driving test.
Here in the US, you can start at 15 (under a “hardship” license in some states) and you only have to show you’re capable of following the most basic of traffic laws like stopping at red lights/stop signs, and not driving aggressively while the person grading you is sitting in the car with you.
Màiri about 2 years ago
Another difference is that Germans shop for groceries every day rather than spending Saturday making the rounds and filling up the back seat.
It didn’t take long for the penny to drop that walking down to the Konsum and Metzgerei every day with my wee string bag consumed a big chunk of the week.
And the German drivers might be better than US drivers (especially Texas and Massachusetts ones) today, but back in the ’60s most of the older ones (those who could afford a car) were both terrified and terrifying. Good practice for Boston, though.