An often discussed question in German election campaigns is whether or not there
should be a speed limit on the highways in Germany. Right now there are
speed restrictions on smaller streets and in towns or cities but on highways
you are allowed to drive as fast as you want. Many people want there to also be
a restriction on the highways and the question is part of the „Landtagswahlen" of
2021. Parties like the FDP and AFD are against a speed limit. The FDP
criticizes the restriction on the grounds that it would violate the right of
liberty. They say that everyone in Germany should be allowed to drive as fast as
they want. The AFD is against the speed limitation by due to the fact that it has always been so in Germany and they want to uphold on German
traditions. It should be remarked that the opinions of the AFD have to be
considered carefully since they are already watched by the Law-Protecting Court.
The AFD has a tendency to be more rightwing than it should be allowed. Supporting
parties are “DieGrünen" and "Die Linke". These parties believe that a speed
restriction is necessary. An advantage is that with decreased speed, the
number of car accidents would decrease. If two cars drive on the same road, but
one car can drive faster, then it already presents a dangerous situation. It is
logical, therefore that an accident is more likely to happen when one car drives faster then
the others. A point, partially supported by "Die Grünen", is that a speed
limitat would help to decrease the Co2-Emissions and fine dust production. I
support the speed limit because I often feel unsafe on German highways and
would be very pleased, if there were a speed limit. Also, I care about
the environment and less CO2-Emissions and fine dust production should be a
heavily valued argument in German politics. But since a lot of people share that
opinion, I am looking forward to safer highways when I get my drivers’ licence.