An Aussie’s first time driving on the Autobahn

Particularly in Germany, where we had the time to relax a bit more and take our time when it came to getting to each city. Wanting to really experience a true German experience, we opted to hop in the car and hit the Autobahn.

Having just returned from a European summer vacay, returning to the Aussie roads was somewhat a relief. During our time overseas, we took the opportunity to hire a car and road trip from destination to destination.

While this was my first time experience the insanity that felt like a lawless highway, my partner is a somewhat experienced Autobahn driver, having driven on the world-famous road system several times previously. Despite this, there were times when I was still amazed at how cars travelling upwards of 200km/h managed to avoid accidents.

For those who aren’t familiar, or are unaware of how this intense road system came to be, the idea was first conceived in the mid-1920s, with construction starting in 1930s under the Third Reich. Construction stopped and started several times due to WWII, the Iron Curtin, before the last stretch was finally completed in 1990 following the fall of the Berlin Wall. In total, the network stretches 13,000 kilometres and has a density of 36 motorway kilometres per thousand square kilometre.

End of history lesson and back to what it’s ACTUALLY like first-hand.

To say I was nervous about travelling on a highway where speed is unrestricted on some stretches would be an understatement. What if there was an accident? What if we were travelling too slow? Is it possible to travel at just your average 110km/h?

Luckily all my questions were answered during our drive. There were no accidents and you CAN do 110km/h if you like, but you MUST keep right (in the slow lane). It was also interesting to know that despite the speeds cars and trucks can get up to, in 2014 autobahns carried 31% of motorised road traffic while accounting for 11% of Germany's traffic deaths. The autobahn fatality rate of 1.6 deaths per billion travel-kilometres, compared with the 4.6 rate on urban streets and 6.5 rate on rural roads, meaning it can be viewed as a safer option, due to the good condition of the roads, and the total lack of potholes or any other issues you might encounter on roads back home in Australia.

As someone prone to motion sickness, the one time I was in the backseat of the car while on the Autobahn, I’ll admit I didn’t feel too crash hot once arriving at our destination. But given my weak stomach anyway, I’ll narrow it down to a 50/50 chance of it actually being from the high speeds.

I think one of the biggest lessons learnt was you have to be more of an aggressive driver than usual, and you will deal with more aggressive drivers than what you’re used to. There’s definitely a lot of weaving in and out of lanes, and German’s aren’t afraid to get vocal and use their horn should you be in the wrong lane at the wrong speed. If you’re not comfortable pushing the speed of your hire car, stay in the right lane! However if you’ve got the need for speed, feel free (like we ended up doing) to put your foot down and experience something that’s unlike anything we have back on the roads in Australia!

While I had my hesitations, being able to experience an authentic German way of road travel was something I’m glad we decided on. Not only are the roads in better condition, once you’re able to move past the urban areas where speed limits are enforced, you can really see how this form of travel can be beneficial. And if for nothing else, you’ve tried something new! For first timers, be sure to do your research before hitting the road! Ultimately, it’ll be a road trip experience you’re unlikely to forget anytime soon.

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