Tales from the Water Cooler: Just can't curb the need for speed
A journey down the German autobahn proves some things are universal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Short of being locked in an old fridge with James Corden and then buried in a landfill site, I’d do anything for this paper. I’d even risk my life.
And, humanitarian that I am, I did just that yesterday, when I drove at over 130mph on a no-speed-limit German autobahn. And while the experience left me giggling like a Japanese Belieber, I didn’t do it just to get a tingle in my Pringle.
I wasn’t thrill-seeking; I was putting my humanity to the test. Eh, you’re welcome.
There has been much talk recently about raising the British speed limit to 80mph, with some wailing that the plan is libertarian madness and the rest licking their lips and booking a personal trainer for their right foot. And while my haste in a hired BMW betwixt Munich and Frankfurt was thrilling, I’m still not sure where I stand.
Yes, people (let’s be honest, mostly men) like going fast, but does that make it right? Look at this week’s announcement by Avon and Somerset police, that some 24,000 people had broken a 50mph limit through some roadworks on the M4 and M5 near Bristol.
Even faced with a field of orange cones, we’re itching to engage the hyper-drive. Nothing can curb our acceleration. And, believe me, our German friends are the same.
Even as I crossed Bavaria faster than Superman himself, there was a succession of irate Helmuts driving up behind me and telling me to move... over... now! And yes, filthy hand gestures are international…
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments