What Is the German Autobahn?

The German Autobahn, a superhighway network that covers most of Germany, is the largest public highway system in the world. The Autobahn is famous for being the only public highway system in the world with some sections that have no speed restrictions.

History

• The German Autobahn was the world's first public highway for automobiles. Construction began near southwest Berlin around 1913. Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler oversaw a large expansion of the Autobahn system in the 1930s. By the early 21st century, the Autobahn network was 12,044 km, or nearly 7,500 miles.

Speed Limits

• Most of the Autobahn system has no speed limits, though the highways have a recommended speed of 81 mph (130 km per hour). The unlimited speed sections are marked with "derestriction" signs.

Accidents

• The Autobahn is infamous for the number and size of its accidents. In July 2009, poor driving conditions and excessive speed led to a crash involving 259 cars along a 30 km stretch of the Autobahn. The crash led to 66 injuries.

Considerations

• According to the VCD German transportation association, Germany could reduce traffic deaths by 30 percent and lower carbon dioxide emissions on its roadways by 3.4 million tons per year if speeds on the Autobahn were limited to 75 mph.