Posted on 04/25/2013 8:57:40 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
The speed limit on the Intercounty Connector was recently raised from 55 mph to 60 mph. Should it go even higher?
The road—also known as MD 200—was designed for speeds up to 60 mph. But that's not stopping one Washington Post reader from insisting the state should turn the ICC into the American autobahn. The German highway allows drivers many long stretches of road without any speed limit.
In his letter to The Washington Post, Bethesda resident Brian Moore says it's a concept Maryland should at least consider:
(Excerpt) Read more at laurel.patch.com ...
US levels of DUI are NOT tolerated in Germany.
If we increase speed limits, it would need to be coupled with much stricter enforcement of driving under the influence.
I got this ticket in the mail. As I recall, if you want to challenge or even ask for the photo, there was a significant charge.
Talk about paying on the spot, we went through a little portion of Austria on the way to Germany one trip - only a few miles. Apparently as we entered Austria, there were some signs (in German, of course) reminding visitors of the need to obtain a pass to drive on their Highways, with one little gas station that had them for sale. Having not understood what the requirements were, we got on the highway for our short trek into Germany. At the border there was a checkpoint and an officer pointing people into one of two lines - one to continue on the highway into Germany and the other to a line of officers - there were about a dozen. There they gave a ticket and fine, I believe it was 100 - 150 Euro, for not having the pass/sticker (3 Euro). Cash. Quite a racket - all the officers were busy, collecting fees from folks like us that were traveling this tiny stretch of highway between Switzerland and Germany.
I live in Maryland, and believe me, on the Beltway and the I-270 corridor, unless the road is jammed, if you're not doing at least 70 MPH you will be run over by the traffic behind you, regardless of the 55 MPH posted limit.
“And, German drivers actually have to prove competence after a long and expensive license process.”
That’s true. I and the people with me were also blown away by every taxi and bus being Mercedes-Benz.
We were staying in Munich and taking trips from there.
Don’t forget all the FRICKIN’ SLOW DRIVERS!!!
I’ve gotten by doing 60 (to save gas — it is so expensive). I do have to be careful of the other, faster drivers, however.
O'Malley coulda killed it before construction AND he was the one who rammed thru the toll increases on the other bridges/roads when it became clear that the ICC wouldn't pay for itself.
FYI:
Every time I have been on an overpass and looked [in both directions], I have NEVER seen more than 10-15 cars.
ALSO, I have only driven the ICC once when it was free. I live 10 minutes from it and the ONLY time I MIGHT use it is if I was late for a flight at BWI ...
Yes, kind of like I-94 in eastern Montana (and yes, I drove that). Like I said, the road is well under capacity, and it has obviously failed as a diversion route from the DC Beltway.
And since crossing the thing takes only a few seconds, seeing only 10 to 15 cars does not negate the reports that 20K to 30K people are using it on a weekday, IMO.
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