What exactly is the autobahn?

Question

I dont know if its actually an automobile or roads

Answer 1

Autobahn (pronounced in IPA, plural Autobahnen) is the German word for a major high-speed road confined to motor vehicles and having full control of access. It is similar to motorway or freeway in English-speaking countries.

Construction

Similar to such freeways in other countries, autobahns have multiple lanes of traffic in each direction, separated by a central barrier with grade-separated junctions and access restricted to certain types of motor vehicles only. Over 90% of autobahn mileage constructed during the n**i period had Portland cement concrete pavement, normally about eight inches thick. Each carriageway was flanked by bankettes about two feet in width, constructed of varying materials; right-hand bankettes on many autobahns were later retrofitted to four feet in width when it was realized cars needed the additional space to pull off the autobahn safely. In the postwar years, a thicker asphaltic concrete cross-section with full paved hard shoulders came into general use. The top design speed was approximately 100 mph in flat country but lower design speeds could be used in hilly or mountainous terrain. A flat-country autobahn constructed to published design standards in use during the n**i period could support hands-off speeds on curves of about 90 mph.

All autobahns are named by using the capital letter "A" followed by a blank and a number (e.g. "A 8"). Autobahn east-west routes are even-numbered, whereas autobahn north-south routes are odd-numbered.

History

Autobahns were first conceived, planned and built on a limited scale in Germany during the Weimar Republic era in the 1920s, but apart from the AVUS in Berlin, construction was slow, and most projected sections did not progress much beyond the planning stage due to economic problems and a lack of political support. One project was the private initiative HaFraBa which planned a "car only road" (the name Autobahn was created in 1929) crossing Germany from Hamburg in the North via central Frankfurt am Main to Basel in Switzerland.

Just days after the 1933 n**i takeover, Hitler enthusiastically embraced an ambitious autobahn construction project and appointed Fritz Todt the Inspector General of German Road Construction. Soon over 100,000 laborers worked at construction sites all over Germany. As well as providing employment and improved infrastructure, necessary for economic recovery efforts, the project was also a great success for propaganda purposes. Another aim of the autobahn project was to strengthen centralized rule and national unity (see n**i architecture).

The autobahns formed the first limited-access, high-speed road network in the world, with the first section from Frankfurt am Main to Darmstadt opening in 1935. This straight section was used for high speed record attempts by the Grand Prix racing teams of Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union until the fatal accident of the popular German race driver Bernd Rosemeyer in early 1938.

During World War II the central reservation of some autobahns was paved to allow their conversion into auxiliary airports. Aircraft were either stashed in numerous tunnels or camouflaged in nearby woods. However, for the most part the autobahns were not militarily significant, and most military and economic freight continued to be carried by rail. After the war, numerous sections of the autobahns were in bad shape, severely damaged by heavy Allied bombing and military demolition. Furthermore, thousands of kilometers of autobahns remained unfinished, their construction brought to a halt by 1942 due to the increasing demands of the war effort.

In West Germany, following the war, most existing autobahns were soon repaired. The finishing of the incomplete sections took longer, with some stretches being opened to traffic only in the 1980s. Some sections cut by the Iron Curtain in 1945 were only completed after German reunification in 1990. Finally, certain sections were never completed, as more advantageous routes were found. Some of these sections stretch across the landscape forming a unique type of modern ruin, often easily visible on satellite photographs.

The autobahns in East Germany and Poland after 1945 were grossly neglected in comparison to those in West Germany and Western Europe in general. They received minimal maintenance between 1945 and 1989. However, they did not deteriorate because car ownership, and hence traffic volume, in Communist countries was much lower than in the West.

During the 1950s, the West German government restarted the construction program; it continuously invested in new sections and in improvements to older ones.

A short stretch of autobahn around the Lucerne area in 1955 created Switzerland's first autobahn. For Expo 1964, an autobahn was built between Lausanne and Geneva. The route Bern - Lenzburg was inaugurated in 1967.

During the 1980s, a goal was set in West Germany to provide autobahn access within 10 km of every household, but with the German reunification, most of the construction and funds shifted from the west to the neglected east.

Current density

Today, Germany's Autobahn network has a total length of about 11,980 km (as of January 1, 2003), second only to the United States' Interstate system.

The Swiss autobahn network has a total length of 1,638 km (as of 2000) and has, by an area of 41,290 sq km (slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey), also the highest density of the world.

Many sections of Germany's autobahns are modern, 3 lanes wide plus emergency lane. Yet, other sections remain similar to the original state, with two lanes, no emergency lane, short ramps etc. Such a combination of the two types of autobahn can be seen on the A 9 autobahn (Nuremberg - Berlin). Heading out from Nuremberg, the autobahn starts off as a modern, 3 lane + emergency lane autobahn. However, after heading into Thuringia, which was formerly part of East Germany, parts of the autobahn are no wider than two lanes and no emergency lane exists (only rare emergency bays with a telephone post in orange-yellow). Coincidentally, this very autobahn is consistently being repaired.

Swiss autobahns always have an emergency lane except in tunnels.

Speed limits

The German autobahns are famous for being some of the only public roads in the world without blanket speed limits for cars and motorcycles, though traffic on them is usually heavy enough to restrict speeds to little above the typical motorway speeds found elsewhere. However, speed limits do apply at junctions and other danger points, like sections under construction or in need of repair. (Speed limits at non-construction sites are generally 100 km/h (62 MPH) or 120 km/h (75 MPH); construction sites have a usual speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph) but may be as low as 60 km/h or even 40 km/h. Certain stretches have separate, and lower, speed limits used in cases of wet lanes.) Some limits were imposed to reduce pollution and noise. Limits can also be put into place temporarily through dynamic traffic guidance systems that display the according traffic signs. If there is no speed limit the recommended speed is 130 km/h (80 mph) (German: Richtgeschwindigkeit). On average, about half of the total length of the German Autobahn network has no speed limit, about one third has a permanent limit and the remaining parts have a temporary limit due to a number of reasons.

It is important to remember that in places without a general limit, overtaking is not limited either. So everyone who is speeding at will has to beware of trucks running side by side at roughly 80 km/h. In theory, trucks are not allowed to overtake others unless they drive 20 km/h (12 mph) faster than the truck in the right lane, but truck drivers are under pressure to arrive in time. Police don't enforce this for economic and political reasons, as many trucks are from foreign countries. Basically, apart from Sundays, the right lane of German Autobahns is crowded with trucks, and too often, trucks pull out to overtake. On Sundays, trucks usually aren't allowed to drive except for trucks with perishable goods and certain other exceptions.

Modern cars easily reach well over 200 km/h (125 MPH), and most large car manufacturers follow a gentlemen's agreement by artificially limiting the top speed of their cars to 250 km/h (155 mph) for safety reasons (inexperienced drivers and risk of tires failing, especially when underinflated). Yet, these limiters can easily be removed, so speeds over 300 km/h (185mph) are not uncommon nowadays. But due to common speed-limits and other traffic, no one should expect to be able to drive such speeds always. The most kilometers without a limit are in the south of Germany, where the big automobile groups are, like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche and BMW, i.e. the A 8 at Stuttgart.Autobahns in Austria (130 km/h; 81 mph) and Switzerland (120 km/h; 75 mph) have normal speed limits.

Notable traffic laws

Autobahns may only be used by powered vehicles that have a design maximum speed exceeding 60 km/h

The right lane must be used when it is free (Rechtsfahrgebot)

Overtaking on the right is forbidden (except in traffic jams with caution)

General speed limits (H?tgeschwindigkeit):

60 km/h (37 MPH) for:

buses carrying standing passengers (except in Switzerland)

motorcycles pulling trailers (in Switzerland: 80 km/h)

80 km/h (50 MPH) for:

vehicles with maximum allowed weight exceeding 3.5 t (except passenger cars)

passenger cars and trucks with trailers

buses (in Switzerland: 120 km/h)

100 km/h (62 MPH) for:

passenger cars pulling trailers certified for 100 km/h

buses certified for 100 km/h not pulling trailers

In Germany, a guidance speed of 130 km/h (on every road with a border between the two directions) is in effect; this speed is not a binding limit, but being involved in an accident at higher speeds can lead to being assigned part of the fault due to "increased operating danger". In Switzerland the maximum speed is 120 km/h, in Austria 130 km/h.

Also, it is unlawful to run out of gasoline on the Autobahn.

Answer 2

It's a system of roads in Germany. The autobahn is a super highway in which some of its lanes have no speed limit. That means that you don't have to worry about getting a ticket for flying by at 200 mph in a Lamborghini Murciélago, a Porsche Carrera GT or a McLaren F1 (if you are fortunate enough to afford one, of course).

The autobahn was conceived and developed by Adolph Hitler, but more than for civilian purposes, it was instead more for military strategy. It provided for the rapid deployment of troops and military equipment all across Germany. It proved to be so efficient that it really impressed general Dwight D. Eisenhower. Upon becoming President, Eisenhower copied the concept of the autobahn and turned it into the US National Highway system. Once completed, it serves a dual purpose: an organized, and efficient road system that connects the whole nation, but that also provides for the rapid deployment of troops and equipment af all ramifications of the US military.

Too bad he didn't copy the unlimited-speed lanes. :)

Answer 3

I see some technical, historical and some guessing. The German Autobahn is a system of  higways in Germany that criss cross the country. The German Autobahn is the only toll free highway system in Europe, except for semi's which must pay a toll.

There is no speed limits imposed on most of them (semi's, RV's and cars pulling trailers are only allowed to travel at 100 kmph), but the government suggests a maximum speed of 130 kmph. When you are in the area of a large city you must decrease your speed, usually to 120 kmph, and again to 80 then 60, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. Don't worry they have the speed limit posted when you can't Indy car anymore. Some of the older stretches, there are speed limits of 130 kmph. All Autobahns are divided and have a minimum of two lanes (each way). You know you are on an Autobahn from the colour of the signs, which are blue background and white lettering. All other road ways are yellow background black lettering. Speed limit signs are round, white background with a red ring around it and black numbers. Try and find somewhere you look at the signs in Germany...library or something.

There are also Schnellstrassen, a high speed highway to a maximum of 120 kmph. Normal highways (Bundestrasse) maximum of 100 kmph (sometimes it's quicker to use the normal highways and you see more of the country), and finally the Landstrasse which is pretty much a country road, speed is 80 - 100 kmph. By the way if you happen to be driving on a dirt or gravel road...you're not supposed to be there! All public roads are paved.

One thing to look out for is traffic jams on the Autobahn, I've driven from Weissenfels to Dresden, which is about 250 Kilometres, and it took me about 8 hours! In three of those hours I moved maybe 100 metres.

Another thing, always drive in the right hand lane, unless you are passing another vehicle. Driving in the middle lane(s) (when there are three or four lane traffic) or the left lane can cost you money if one of the Autobahn (unmarked) police cars pull you over (they hang a sign out the passengers side window that say Follow Me, but naturally in German! If this happens you must pay the fine immidiately.

Radar...they're very sneaky with radar (radar detectors are illegal), sometimes they are set up on one of the many bridges that cross the highway or stationary. You'll know you've been tagged when you get a red flash, on stationary ones, this not only takes a picture of the liscence plate, but also the occupants of the front seat passengers. Mobile radar...just before the next rest stop a policeman will show you a sign and you have to pull into the next rest stop another policeman will be waiting for you, the fine must be paid on the spot. If you decide or miss the rest stop, the chase is on and it can be very very expensive. Any speeding under 25 kmph under the posted speed limit is a fine, anything over is considered a criminal offence which brings a very hefty fine along with your name and all information going to Flensburg. You don't want that to happen, you will be banned from driving immidiately.

Dotted along the Autobahn are rest stops, some with toilet facilities, so you can pull over for a bit of a rest. There are also gas stations along the Autobahn that have eating facilities and some with hotels, by the way if you use a toilet at a gas station it will cost you 0.50€. SOS telephones are also placed on the Autobahn in case your car breaks down.

Have fun in Germany.

Answer 4

It's a lot like a German interstate highway system, but much better maintained than American interstates.

Answer 5

It's their highway system. It is speed regulated as you enter and exit cities and towns.

Once you get so far out,the speedlimit is lifted. Remember, the LEFT lane is for PASSING ONLY! If you are caught lollygagging in the left lane, you will be hit with an equivilant of around $1,500 US fine! Use it ONLY FOR PASSING!!!!!  Do like I did...leave the driving to the natives.

Answer 6

The autobahn is Germany's freeway.  Contrary to popular belief there are speed limits though very high and hardly ever adhered to unless going through built up areas.  German's drive much better than Americans so there are very few accidents even at such speeds.  Right is for driving, left is for passing only, only only!!!  I've driven them at 100 mph with people passing me like I was some granny from Miami.

Answer 7

The Autobahn is the European Interstate system. The speed limits on it are higher than in the US. You go about 100 miles an hour in some places.  You also don't hang out in the left lane as you would in the US unless you want to pass a lot of people because if you don't want to pass anyone and are in the left lane, you might see a car far behind you one second and two seconds later it will be on your ***. Anyway, it is the European equivalent of the US interstate system, the speeds are higher, and if you hang out in the left lane, you'll get in trouble.

Answer 8

i think it's a big freeway in germany.

Answer 9

It's a big road, like a highway.

Answer 10

It's the german Highway