Things Americans Could Learn From Germans

While we've been enjoying our time in Germany, there have been recurring thoughts about what it is that we seem to like so much about Germany.

I've started a list.

So, here we go... things Americans could learn from Germans:

• Yield Signs instead of Stop Signs at intersections. In America, it seems that all intersections have stop signs. Here, we see more Yield signs in place. And it makes sense! After all, if traffic is coming, yield to it... if not, keep going. Why stop?
  
• Sub-topic... Knowing How to Yield. Maybe that's why America doesn't use so many Yield signs... a tragic lack of knowledge about what "Yield" means.
  
• Traffic circles. Yes, I know. They're in use in America. And they're universally hated. Why? Because Americans seem to have trouble using a traffic circle properly. No? Watch a new American arriving here encounter traffic circles. White knuckles... panic stops... near collisions. Yet, they help traffic flow quite smoothly. One reason is the faithful use of...
  
• Turn signals. I've always said that there are cars sitting in junkyards in America, with hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometers, with pristine light bulbs in the turn signals. Americans do not use them. Americans rarely communicate their intentions with other drivers (short of horns, middle finger salutes, etc.). It is SO refreshing to have drivers communicate what they're doing. And the Germans are communicating to the point of ridiculousness sometimes, but you always know what they're doing next.
  
• Windows that open two different ways. How cool are these? Turn the handle one direction, and the window swings open fully... turn it differently, and it hinges open partly for ventilation. Certainly better than American windows... which more often than not, you have to get a screwdriver to slide down the sides just to open it because it's been painted shut.
  
• Higher speed limits... or none at all. What's interesting, here, is one of the neat ways the Germans have of enforcing them... insurance companies won't pay if the accident occurs above certain speeds. So, drive fast if you want, but it's your responsibility. And the penalties are quite high. Not to mention that there's not much hope of surviving a "Smart" car accident.
  
• Stay out of the left lane. It's against the law to cruise in the left lane. It keeps it clear for passing... the results are obvious... traffic flows much more smoothly. Want to cruise at 100 kph? Fine... those going 260 kph can easily pass you.
  
• No BILLBOARDS It has been so pleasant to enjoy the countryside without seeing all of the various advertisements for stuff I don't want to buy and don't need to know about. It's much more pleasant without them.
  
• Frequent rest areas... Every few kilometer, there are places to pull off the road. Very thoughtful, and keeps the sides of the road clear. Also, makes it safer since you have plenty of opportunities to rest when tired.
  
• Distance marker. No, not the mileage markers on interstates, but every road in Deutschland has markers every 50 meters. These are GREAT. You can measure your distance, always know the side of the road (at night in the middle of nowhere, it's wonderful), and they come in handy when visibility is next to nil, as well. There are many times when you're driving from post to post.
  
• Roadways Destinations. We know how often directions of highways in the States get confusing... It may show I-95 North, but you're actually heading West, or even South! Germany dispenses with North/East/South/West. Directions are given usually as two cities, one close by, one farther away. So, you get on the highway in the direction you want to go. Simple, and never fails.
  
• No horns! Oh, the peace... you rarely, rarely hear a car horn. They're illegal to use unless there's (gasp!) an emergency need.

Partial list... more I'm sure to come. If you have some of your own, please feel free to add...