Citation

Retzko H. IATSS Res. 1988; 12(2): 29-33.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Until now, the German government has rejected any proposal for introducing a speed limit on motorways. Therefore, the Federal Republic of Germany is the only country in Europe without a speed limit on motorways. There have been discussions during the past few years in the Federal Republic of Germany about the pros and cons of a speed limit of 100 km/hour on German motorway's in order to protect woodlands from air pollution. An "optimum speed limit" cannot be determined scientifically. However a speed limit of 120 km/hour has more advantages and disadvantages, if compared with other speed limits and with the present situation (no speed limit). It is suitable for comfortable cars and for high standard motorways; it increases safety; it protects the environment against the adverse effects of car traffic; it does not cause serious economical disadvantages -- not even for the German automobile industry -- and it may fundamentally a manned the principal attitudes of drivers when using cars and when choosing the appropriate desired speed.