This is a fascinating topic because it shows the power of stereotypes. A majority of the general population has supported a general speed limit for decades. But the anti-limit minority is very vocal and has managed to present their preference as a matter of national identity.
And as fellow Europeans we then reinforce such stereotypes about Germans.
The ADAC is certainly representative, because that’s just people using cars. People that do not use cars and are not affected by a speed limit (e.g. people living in larger cities) are irrelevant.
Also you did 0 research and consolidated 0 resources for your claims:
Your Wikipedia reference does not support your claim that there hasn’t been a majority for decades. It only lists surveys from the last few years. But that does not mean that there weren’t majorities before that.
I think this issue is exactly the same as many others that are, in principle, supported by an overwhelming majority: it is the influence of lobbying that makes it possible for the will of the people to be ignored. While this phrase is widely used, it doesn’t quite capture the essence of the matter - it is simply corruption.
Germans become allergic to rules as soon as they have any kind of wheels under them
I have to strongly disagree, that is not my impression at all. Of all countries I’ve ever driven in, Germans are the most rule-abiding drivers.
In Germany, I’ve been honked at for driving half on the shoulder to let someone pass (that’s not even illegal, but most people seem to think it is). Drivers brake if you’re walking just in the general vicinity of a zebra crossing. Virtually no driver drives past a red light on purpose, I see that like once a year or so (yellow is a different story though…). And, to add a more objective observation, German dashcam compilations mostly consist of absolute mundane minor offenses, while they’re much more action packed even in smaller countries like Netherlands.
Sure, we still have speeding, parking offenses and ignored stop signs on a regular basis. You can see any of these within minutes by just being on any busy city street. But that’s anything but exclusive to Germany, that happens pretty everywhere in a similar (and often probably higher) frequency.
The only driving behavior related issues Germany has IMO are the fines that are an absolute joke, as well as a jurisdiction that treats even deadly and major offenses with kid gloves (drive 100+ in a city and kill someone, you just get 1y9m on probation and you even keep your license, so no time served, you’ll keep living freely, just wait 2 years before you go reckless again and you’re good).
But apart from this, that Germans specifically are allergic to rules is pretty much the opposite of my experience.
I’ve been honked at for driving half on the shoulder to let someone pass (that’s not even illegal, but most people seem to think it is)
On the Autobahn, you aren’t allowed to drive there, unless you are in an emergency or there’s street sign that allows it. Are talking about a country road?
Yes, that was on a country road. On any road with 2+ lanes in my direction I don’t do that (including autobahn ofc), as there’s no need to do it for someone to pass me.
This is a fascinating topic because it shows the power of stereotypes. A majority of the general population has supported a general speed limit for decades. But the anti-limit minority is very vocal and has managed to present their preference as a matter of national identity.
And as fellow Europeans we then reinforce such stereotypes about Germans.
Liar
ADAC graph in article clearly shows that this is only the case for the last 4 years by a margin of ~5%
The ADAC members do not represent the general population… The survey was among ADAC members (a motorist organization).
The ADAC is certainly representative, because that’s just people using cars. People that do not use cars and are not affected by a speed limit (e.g. people living in larger cities) are irrelevant.
Also you did 0 research and consolidated 0 resources for your claims:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulässige_Höchstgeschwindigkeit_im_Straßenverkehr_(Deutschland)#Umfragen_und_Verbände
There is a very slight majority in the recent years depending on the height of the limit. But certainly not for decades…
ADAC members are people who joined the motorist organization, it’s not just people driving cars.
If you think that the opinion of the general population does not matter, fine. But the ADAC members still do not represent the general population.
Your Wikipedia reference does not support your claim that there hasn’t been a majority for decades. It only lists surveys from the last few years. But that does not mean that there weren’t majorities before that.
I think this issue is exactly the same as many others that are, in principle, supported by an overwhelming majority: it is the influence of lobbying that makes it possible for the will of the people to be ignored. While this phrase is widely used, it doesn’t quite capture the essence of the matter - it is simply corruption.
deleted by creator
I have to strongly disagree, that is not my impression at all. Of all countries I’ve ever driven in, Germans are the most rule-abiding drivers.
In Germany, I’ve been honked at for driving half on the shoulder to let someone pass (that’s not even illegal, but most people seem to think it is). Drivers brake if you’re walking just in the general vicinity of a zebra crossing. Virtually no driver drives past a red light on purpose, I see that like once a year or so (yellow is a different story though…). And, to add a more objective observation, German dashcam compilations mostly consist of absolute mundane minor offenses, while they’re much more action packed even in smaller countries like Netherlands.
Sure, we still have speeding, parking offenses and ignored stop signs on a regular basis. You can see any of these within minutes by just being on any busy city street. But that’s anything but exclusive to Germany, that happens pretty everywhere in a similar (and often probably higher) frequency.
The only driving behavior related issues Germany has IMO are the fines that are an absolute joke, as well as a jurisdiction that treats even deadly and major offenses with kid gloves (drive 100+ in a city and kill someone, you just get 1y9m on probation and you even keep your license, so no time served, you’ll keep living freely, just wait 2 years before you go reckless again and you’re good).
But apart from this, that Germans specifically are allergic to rules is pretty much the opposite of my experience.
I mean we’re throwing personal observations at each other, but it really depends where you are. I see that shit multiple times per week ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
a day even…
On the Autobahn, you aren’t allowed to drive there, unless you are in an emergency or there’s street sign that allows it. Are talking about a country road?
Yes, that was on a country road. On any road with 2+ lanes in my direction I don’t do that (including autobahn ofc), as there’s no need to do it for someone to pass me.