How safe is to drive in German roads during night hours?

Question

Thanks a lot Alwin. It is a great help and many thanks to Miss also. The biggest info is Autobhans are not lit in the nights, looks little different for me. Other wise I am very confident to drive now, with all your advises.

Answer 1

I think it's very important to get to know the road signs before driving in Germany especially at night.  Many people get on the Autobahn in the wrong direction, and sometimes even  I get a little confused because the entrances and the exits are so close together...separated by a 'little' arrow.

Please find out the rules and the meanings of German signs BEFORE driving in Germany.  They're not that hard to understand, but ignorance is not bliss.  Find out especially about traffic circles, the 'right of way', and accident rules.  Even if you are planning on staying on the 'Autobahn', anything can happen and so better safe than sorry.

Almost all Germans have had formal driving lessons, so everybody is more or less 'on the same page'.  Please give yourself enough time.  Stay in the right hand lane....and carry a 'Handy', (German word for cell phone or mobile phone).

If you're going to be traveling in the summer, it'll probably be light anyway until about 22:00.  I would recommend being on your way before then if you don't know where you're going.

Answer 2

In addition to frackled (who was perfectly right) I'd like to mention that youmay find a road map (or a navigation system) quite useful, as in Germany, there is nothing like "north", "south", "east" and "west", but the road signs tell you the way to the next larger cities, and the distance in km. But if you plan your route beforehand, there should be no problem. All Autobahns have numbers which are also on the signs, and German road signs are clearly understandable, as they mostly use pictograms instead of text. Just mind the round white signs with the red border and a number in them: These are speed limit zones, and the number indicates the maximum speed in km/h.

---

one more edit:

If you have a mobile phone with you that is capable of the GSM standard (as most mobile phones are), no matter which your contract provider is, the general number to dial emergency in Europe is 112. You'll be connected to the next dispatcher, and they can locate you if you keep the connection up long enough. Most mobile phones, when you move into Europe, will show that on their displays as "SOS calls only" or something like that. Just remember the number, it's 112. You don't even have to unlock the phone to dial it.

---

I think Miss is slightly exaggerating, but the rule "never overtake on the right" must be strictly followed on Autobahns. Reading Miss's post, I felt slightly fearsome, as these are not the Autobahns I know, and I drive a lot of kilometers on them. If you know the rules, driving on them is great fun. Like, what Miss wrote, the signalling code. You'll get used to it after a couple miles.

One more sign I want to tell you: You're on the left lane, and a truck signals out to overtake. Slow down, signal right once or twice, and flash your lights once or twice. This shows the truck driver that you'll let him out to overtake; but DON'T swing right. Stay behind. When the trucker swings back to the right lane, proceed to overtake. You'll be honored by a left signal and a greeting out of the window for letting them trucker roll, ten-four.

Answer 3

If you wish a detailed plan how to get to your destination, you will get an excellent one by the German Automobile Club ADAC. (www.adac.de) On their website, you can print out a map with exact instructions (including street names), which are incredibly useful and understandable, even for me. I'm not sure if you have to be a member though, but maybe you find a German who is. If not, you might go to one of their branches and just ask. They might charge you a little, not much, and even give you more material.

I think our motorways are safe, there is a lot of police, esp. by night (be careful, they drive normal, inconspicuous cars and they would rather follow a speed offender than a bank robber, just so they can fine them), but not signed out too well in some areas, so it might be helpful to be sure about the route beforehand. If you need some help with the language, feel free to mail me and I can give you a translation, that's no trouble. You might find this site interesting too: http://www.german-way.com/autobahn.html

Take care,

Jeany

Answer 4

I have driven in and around Frankfurt and it was very stressful driving and under standing the roads is easy but if you miss a turn off like i did many times it can be a nightmare to get back on track. I also forgot to drive on the opposite side of the road a few times very scary. night driving is o.k but recommend you have a good navigator who can read maps very well

Answer 5

There's no problem in driving. At all. Even if you only speak English. I assume you are going to be two or more people, so you should not fall prey to any weirdos out there that go for women traveling alone (who are extremely uncommon, but, I guess, exactly what you were worrying about). I also assume you are going to take the Autobahn. There are "Resting stations" at more or less regular intervals, which have, at the very least, a gas station that will also serve food (sometimes only stuff like sandwiches or hot dogs). The staff at these stations come into contact with so many people from all over the place, you will have no problem at all. And these stations are open 24 hours every day.

You should be just fine. Have fun in Germany!

Answer 6

Yes, the roads are very safe as far as not having bad people. The rest stops with gas stations are open 24 hrs and have descent food. Everyone does speak english. As a tip please keep change when you go to use the restroom. It's typical you pay .40 to 50 euro cent. Either drop it in the stall if it has a coin box or leave it in the little dish that the woman hast out. Yes, you have to tip her. I also don't stop at the rest stops with not gas stations on the autobahn in the evenings. They're raided for sexual activity quiet frequently.

Autobahn is simple as far as directions. I never need a map. Odd numbers (A3,A5, A7) always run North and south. Even (A2, A60) run East and West. The driection of the city is where you want to head. For example, Nuerenberg is north of Muenchen. and your heading towards Berlin, so you head in that direction. It's very simple.

The autobahn rules still apply in the evenings. People still drive quickly. If you cannot keep up PLEASE stay out of the left lane! You should be doing the same in the states, but that is another story. In German you will tick people off and will get pulled over by the police if they catching coasting in the left lane. Left should be used for passing only. Very important. Another thing don't panick if someone comes behind you and they have their left directional on. They're are asking you to move over because you're going too slow and they would like to pass. We do not pass on the right side. With that in mind, if someone blinks with their lights, they're telling you the same thing. We don't like to honk our horns, but that it another way of saying it.

Remember don't panick and don't slam on your brakes. At times they'll be coming behiind you very fast. Just put on your directional and move over. You will not collide with them because they will not get in the right lane and they'll know that you're moving.

Lastly, If you're driving and you see people in front with their hazards (yellow lights) blinking. slow down. That's the signal to drivers use so say "stau" or traffic. Traffic on the autobahn means standstill. So make sure you alert the people behind you to slow down as well. If you think about it the average speed of the autobahn is 80 to 100 mph. coming to a standstill reqires abrupt action.

Oh and another thing. Don't be afraid to use your high beams if you can't see. Just make sure no one is really in front of you or coming from the opposite side. The autobahn is not lit up. Always use your high beams on rural roads. This will help you see the animals on the side of the road. You will see the glare of the lights bounce off the eyes. Look of this. It's a great warning sign before the animal ends up under your car.

Rental car? Get the full coverage that has 150 deductible. It's worth it.

Answer 7

If you stay on the Autobahn it's safe and pretty easy. If you get off on some side roads, they are very narrow and very dark.  As long as you know the city you are going to, or cities on your route, you will have no problem with the signs.

Answer 8

Safe. It is good lightened and easy to read the road, the traffic might cause some problems though.