I don't think you've seen appalling until you've visited Northern California. It is amazing more people don't get blowouts out here. It takes appalling to a whole new level compared to ANY European country. I would put the road quality here up there with Russia.

Mikhail from SF

Well, I've seen it like that on the Autobahn (and often enough too ): ), but where the traffic thins out and the speed limits drop away, it's a whole different ballgame. That's when the reps, execs and other assorted road warriors start showing off what their Mercs and Beemers can do.

The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman

This is very refreshing.
I hope, however, not many portuguese learn about it. Car accidents are the main cause of death if you are between 18-30. Uncivic behavior being the main factor.

If it becomes known that the, normally regarded as civilized, people of northern europe are just as mad behind the wheel, not even our sense of shame can help us.

Dear NSA,

 Q: Where did I leave my keys?
A: Inside pocket of your gray jacket (it's hanging in the front closet).

Q: What should I get my wife for her birthday?
A: Blue sundress from Calypso, size 12. Also note that she likes to have her toes licked.

Q: Is now a good time to buy Google?
A: Unfortunately, due to strict federal laws NSA cannot provide stock tips.

Q: Can I substitute margarine for butter in my Toll House cookie recipe?
A: We know that you've been smoking pot.

Q: What should I have for dinner?
A: You've been eating a lot of Chinese and pizza -- how about some Turkish?

(via boingboing)

The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman

...I presume you haven't driven your car in the Netherlands yet? Replace German with Dutch and your description would be just as accurate, if not more so.

And where in Germany do you drive? I haven't the same experience as you had... This was from last October, just after 5 pm:

But let's talk about the roadworks in Germany... Man. There was not one motorway in Germany on that +2000 km trip that did not suffer from some road construction. (Then again, the Dutch have also copied this for this year.)

Or you might just baiting us into the jaws of a "Vive la France!"... since I've to agree on the superb quality of French l'autoroutes.

Hey, how come something like this isn't included in "Energize America"?!

(Bust seriously, how can this even be legal?  Who the hell owns the rights to the moon?)

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire

What's that?

(neener, neener)

She believed in nothing; only her skepticism kept her from being an atheist. -- Jean-Paul Sartre

for driving too slowly in the left lane, even if you are at or above the speed limit. Legal road rage.

Jeff Wegerson - Prairie State Blue