Reflections on the Audubon

Back in the US, the Audubon had a certain allure. The idea of driving on a highway without speed limits was rather enticing to my younger self.

It's both exceeds and fails expectations. The majority of drivers behave quite responsibility on the unrestricted portions of the Audubon. Trucks even more so since their top speeds are mechanically regulated by governors. (Being trapped behind one truck trying to pass another can be annoying since the passer is often mechanically limited to speeds that are only glacially faster than his target).

But then their are the other drivers. On the dashboard of our beloved rental car is a sticker directed at those drivers. It warns that the car is not to be driven at speeds in excess of 230 km/hr (if you're hesitant to do the math, this is over 140 mph). I have seen those drivers and have a few safety tips to pass along.

Know where your hazard lights are at all times. Traffic stops instantly and without warning and normal brake lights don't always convey the severity of the situation to the driver behind you. My friends who drive American cars that they imported from the US frequently complain about their need to replace brakes that weren't built to withstand frequent decellerations from 80 mph to 0.

Should you wish to venture into the left lanes, spend lots of time looking into your rearview mirror. The average American is not used to being passed by a car travelling 60 km/hr faster than he is when he's already cruising at comfortable highway speeds. These relative velocities make drivers approaching from the rear just as dangerous as those in the front.

Time to run. My children inform me that it's their turn to use the computer.

Coming up soon is a driving post on German street signs. Piper is collecting anecdotes. This has been quite confusing since the US relies on a staple of about 30 types of street signs. The Germans (quite literally) have over 300 types. Their are literally signs for everything (often 3 or more on the same signpost... a very precise people these Germans).