Autobahn USA?

[Joe Yakubik <75363.2524@compuserve.com>]

The blown tire as accident brings a sort of sobering story to mind:

To link this with the Autobahn USA question:

Last summer I was driving on the Autobahn at around 100mph when I noticed a
"puff" from the left rear tire on the car (Audi 100, BTW) in front of me.  I was
gradually closing on him so guessed his speed at 90+ mph.  He was in the left
lane and the car started to veer left.  He overreacted and made an abrupt
correction to the right which sent him careening across the two right hand
lanes, spun him around  off the road, up an embankment, got airborne and rolled
(still airborne) two times before coming to a stop right side up.  Spectacular,
just like in the movies.  The reality: Fatality - massive head and chest wounds.

This week a report was published stating that there are more accidents, but less
fatalities on European highways.  There are any number of potential reasons for
the increase in accidents: overcrowded roads, open borders with eastern europe
(lesser experience, old-unsafe-cars) etc.  The reason for the fatalities
decreasing is safety equipment and emergency medical care.  This is sort of
disturbing because, until recently the trend was toward fewer accidents, but
more fatalities per 100,000 accidents.

If anyone wants an "Autobahn" in the USA, then you have to go for the whole
package:  Thorough drivers training AND testing, frequent (and comparatively
draconian) car inspections, SEVERE penalties for DUI/DWI etc; massive (and
expensive) upgrade of roads, medical facilities (including Medevac helicopters).
etc.

It's not just about speed limits.

Sorry 'bout the downer message

Joe Yakubik