We are talking about a very interesting ban in Germany related to their federal highway system, the Autobahn. The German federal highway system is not only a transportation network but also a cultural, technical, and freedom symbol of the Germans. This system connects the major cities of Germany, economic centers, and even rural areas. It was initiated in 1932 under the Nazi regime.
For a long time, the Germans have had a superior mindset. It was originally intended for military purposes. But after the war, it became the backbone of the modern German economy. What makes the Autobahn special in the eyes of the world is that about 70% of its length has no speed limit. But behind the glamour of speed is a strict regulatory system, where running out of gas is considered an unacceptable act.
So why does something seemingly trivial like running out of gas become a major issue on the highway?
Running out of gas on the Autobahn is not just a personal mistake; it is also seen as a dangerous act for traffic. According to German traffic laws, drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are always in good working order, including having enough fuel to complete their journey without causing interruptions. If your car breaks down on the highway due to running out of gas, you could face a fine ranging from 30 to 70 euros, equivalent to about 900,000 to over 2 million Vietnamese dong, depending on the level of danger and the behavior you caused. But the fine is just part of the story.
When a car suddenly stops on the highway, where vehicles often travel at very high speeds, the risk of an accident is very high. You are driving a truck or a car at a speed of 200 km/h, and suddenly a car that has run out of gas appears in front of you. What will happen? The reaction distance at this speed is extremely short, and just a little carelessness can lead to disaster. Moreover, the Autobahn is designed to ensure a continuous flow of traffic, supporting the transport of goods, people, and even military operations in emergencies. A broken-down vehicle in the middle of the road can cause congestion that disrupts the entire system.
Another reason why running out of gas becomes a serious issue is the distance between gas stations on the Autobahn. Unlike highway systems in many other countries, where gas stations are densely located, gas stations on the Autobahn are often spaced 40 to 60 kilometers apart, sometimes even longer. If drivers do not carefully calculate the necessary fuel, they may find themselves in a dilemma between the lane of life and death or at least embarrassment and expense.
Imagine you are driving on a stretch of the Autobahn in rural Bavaria. Surrounded only by fields and forests, the fuel gauge starts to hit the red line. The nearest gas station could be dozens of kilometers away, and you have only a few liters of gas left in the tank. This is when you realize that thorough preparation is a vital factor on the Autobahn. The German spirit of discipline also plays an important role in explaining why running out of gas is seen as an irresponsible act. Germans are always famous for their precision and standards in every aspect of life, from how they queue at supermarkets to how they operate the traffic system.
Allowing your car to run out of gas on the Autobahn not only shows a lack of preparation on the driver's part but also goes against the culture of safe and efficient driving in Germany. To understand why it can operate effectively with such strict regulations, we need to look at how this system is managed and constructed. The Autobahn is not just a road but a technical marvel. Every 1.6 km of Autobahn costs over 1 million dollars to build and maintain, with the pavement made from non-solidified concrete ensuring durability and superior load-bearing capacity.
The maintenance team works tirelessly, inspecting every centimeter of the road to ensure there are no dents, bumps, or any dangers that could cause safety issues. A modern system of cameras and radars installed along the Autobahn provides real-time information about weather, road conditions, and traffic flow. If you stop your car due to running out of gas, the cameras will quickly detect it, and you may receive a ticket before you can call for roadside assistance. Furthermore, drivers in Germany are trained through a rigorous program to ensure they have the necessary skills to handle high-speed situations, maintain a safe distance of at least half the speed of the vehicle in meters, and always prepare thoroughly before each trip.
An interesting fact about the Autobahn is that during the Cold War, some sections were designed to serve as emergency runways. If airports were attacked, military aircraft could take off and land directly on the Autobahn system. This explains why the pavement is built so solidly that it can withstand the weight of fighter jets like the F16. It is hard to believe that a road you drive on every day could turn into a runway in an instant. However, this also raises higher demands for keeping this system clear of any obstacles, including cars that have run out of gas.
Another reason why the Autobahn has become legendary is the policy of no speed limit over most of its length. But do not misunderstand that this system is lawless. The recommended speed ranges from 65 to 160 km/h, and only on stretches without merging points, branches, or populated areas is it allowed to accelerate. This policy exists thanks to a combination of many factors. The first factor is the German automotive industry with names like BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Audi. In particular, the Autobahn has become a stage to showcase their advanced automotive technology. Cars capable of reaching speeds of 200-300 km/h are not only a source of pride but also a branding tool that helps German manufacturers dominate the global market.
Next is the culture of safe driving in Germany. Do not think that just because they drive fast, they drive recklessly. This culture is reinforced by very strict training and a high level of awareness that helps minimize accidents on the Autobahn. Statistics show that only about 10% of traffic accidents in Germany occur on the Autobahn, much lower than on other highway systems around the world. Finally, the no speed limit policy is also a symbol of personal freedom, a very Western value that Germans cherish.
Although there has been much debate about imposing speed limits to protect the environment, the German Parliament has repeatedly rejected this proposal, most recently in 2022, and the speed limit here is to protect the environment, not for any other reason. However, the Autobahn is not without its horrific moments.
A typical example is the multi-vehicle accident in 2009. 259 vehicles. Yes, 259 vehicles, you heard that right. They collided on a stretch of the Autobahn in northern Germany. The cause stemmed from heavy rain making the road slippery, combined with high speeds and the distraction of some drivers. This accident required 340 rescue workers to work continuously to clear the scene, with costs amounting to 1.5 million euros. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, but the image of hundreds of cars piled up on the road became a warning about the dangers of the Autobahn if drivers do not follow the regulations.
Incidents like this further reinforce the reason why running out of gas is seen as an unacceptable act because it can become the last straw leading to disaster. If you happen to run out of gas on the Autobahn, the consequences do not stop at just a fine. In addition to the fine of 30 to 70 euros, you will have to call for roadside assistance, with costs ranging from 100 to 300 euros depending on the distance and time. Not to mention you will have to endure the inconvenience and possibly embarrassment of standing by the roadside watching other cars zoom past at breakneck speeds. But do not worry too much; the smart signage system on the Autobahn will provide information about the nearest gas stations, so pay attention and observe. Today, the Autobahn is one of the centers of environmental controversy.
With high speeds and a massive number of vehicles, it contributes significantly to CO2 emissions. The Green Party in Germany has proposed imposing speed limits and even installing solar panels along the Autobahn to reduce environmental impact. Some bolder ideas include adding bike lanes, but they often face opposition from speed enthusiasts and car industry supporters. They argue that this is not just a road but a symbol of freedom and German technology. Nevertheless, pressure from environmental organizations is increasing, making the future of the Autobahn a highly debated topic.
Another interesting fact about the Autobahn is that it is completely free. There are no toll booths on the Autobahn. A rare occurrence on major highway systems around the world, the enormous maintenance costs, five times that of regular highways, will be covered by fuel taxes and other taxes that drivers have already paid. This means that every time you fill up in Germany, you are indirectly paying to keep the Autobahn running smoothly. This is a smart approach that ensures every driver can use the Autobahn without worrying about direct costs while encouraging them to maintain a sense of responsibility, including not running out of gas.