Personal responsibility on the Autobahn: If you want to protect the climate, you have to drive slower. But is that possible? The “Krone” made the attempt.
I am a climate sinner. With 20,000 to 25,000 car kilometers per year, this cannot be denied. Twice a month we commute between the big city of Vienna and the idyllic but neglected homeland of Styria.
The A2-Südautobahn – I know it as my apartment. Every bend, every radar box, every one of the countless miles of construction sites. And yes, I use this knowledge. A little refueling is always possible, every minute less on the road means more time for family, friends and free time. A pleasure clouded by a guilty conscience: do I really have to push my carbon footprint that deep into the asphalt?
A study gives hope: 100 km/h instead of 130 on the highway would make a huge contribution to improving the climate situation, saving energy – and increasing road safety. The transport policy working group of the Association for Roads, Rail and Transport also proposed a maximum speed of 80 km/h on public roads and 30 km/h in built-up areas. Experts speak of a ten percent immediate effect, the Ministry of Climate dismissed that.
The only one with a speed of 100 on the A2 – is that possible?
The ÖAMTC rejects a prescribed speed reduction, but recommends it individually. Is the? Sneaking alone at 100 km/h while others are racing? The test shows: better than expected.
Tuesday afternoon on the A2: The navigation system indicates a travel time of 2 hours, 21 minutes. On normal days a prompt to beat the calculated arrival time. It’s usually a good ten minutes without even risking a ticket. But not today. Set the cruise control to 100 and you are going from Graz to Vienna. Horner, pusher, overtaking man? no. Anyway – due to the poor air quality around Graz, the speed limit of 100 km/h applies anyway.
Where I usually long for the “100-Ende-Taferl”, I now enjoy not standing out with my speed. And frankly, it usually stays that way. Air 100’s, switch 100’s over the mountain, construction site 80’s – the chances of going faster are scarce on the southern autobahn.
Floating between trucks in the first lane
Self-control only hurts when overtaking. This too is forbidden, you line up between trucks and hope for a ramp so you can step on the accelerator a bit.
In the end there is again a deviation of almost ten minutes from the navigation system, but then upwards. So compared to my normal pace, 20 minutes that the more climate-friendly driving takes me. Actually bearable – and above all, planable. Watching the fuel consumption is a pleasure: instead of the usual 6 to 7 liters, it is now 4.5 liters that I have used on average over 100 kilometers. A real victory at diesel prices.
Common denominator for gas foot and conscience
More time, but a clearer conscience and more money in the wallet. My head screams YES! We always do now. He is drowned out – by his belly and right foot: I don’t want to be sneaky. I keep pedaling until the 100 km/h law for everyone. The compromise between throttle and conscience: 120. And the occasional overtaking maneuver…
Speed limits on European roads:
- On Spain’s On highways and on roads with more than one lane in each direction, a speed limit of 100 km/h applies. The speed limit on highways is 120 km/h. The speed limit for roads outside built-up areas is 90 km/h. In urban areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h on roads with two or more lanes in each direction. The speed limit is 30 km/h on roads with only one lane in each direction and 20 km/h on roads with one lane in each direction.
- In Norway The lowest speed limits apply in Europe. On highways you can drive a maximum of 90 km/h. 100 km/h is only allowed on two routes. Also in Sweden There are parts of the highway where only 90 km/h is allowed.
- In Croatia Outside built-up areas, the maximum speed is 90 km/h, on highways 110 km/h and on highways 130 km/h. In Italy Outside built-up areas a speed limit of 90 km/h applies, on highways 110 km/h and on highways 130 km/h. In Slovenia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary The limit is 90 km/h on country roads and 130 km/h on highways.
- In the Switzerland Outside built-up areas, the maximum speed is 80 km/h, 100 km/h on highways and 120 km/h on highways. The directive has arrived from Germany high road network 130 km/h. There is no general speed limit on highways.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
