Interestingly, the traffic rules in Germany and in most U.S. states are very similar: no talking on cell phones, left lane for passing only, no tailgating, no passing on the right. The problem is that, unlike in Germany, nobody in America is enforcing this.

The Autobahn is a living example that fast driving can be perfectly safe, as long as it is done by well trained, polite, defensive drivers, driving decent cars. As someone who has had a German driver’s license since my college days, I can say this with full confidence. 20 years later, I am in Germany a lot and I drive there a lot. From experience, I feel safer at 130 mph on an Autobahn than at 70 mph on an American interstate highway, because I am surrounded by polite, defensive, well-trained drivers.

For those who have not driven in Germany, here are a few clarifications:
1.- A great deal of the Autobahn system does have a speed limit (usually 80 mph), around large cities and near large interchanges.
2.- On just about every segment of the Autobahn, speed limits can be turned on and off during the day, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
3.- Much of the Autobahn system can be very overcrowded during the work week. It is not uncommon to experience the thrill of driving a 160-mph BMW at 40 mph most of the day, simply because of traffic.
4.- Trucks and busses have a 80 kmh speed limit (~55 mph). This limits them to the right-hand lane and greatly improves traffic flow. You will never have a tractor-trailer stuck in the left lane for miles and miles, while passing another tractor-trailer who is only going 2 mph slower.
5.- The road itself is usually very good, much better than the majority of American interstates. There is no debris (no sofas, stoves or beer cans fallen off pickup trucks). Very seldom does one see tire fragments. If there are, it is usually broadcasted on the next traffic report.
6.- Traffic reports are frequent and broadcasted on all radio stations. European car radios have for decades had a feature that will switch to a station broadcasting a traffic report, even if you are listening to another station or to a CD. Locations of speed cameras (speed traps) are typically broadcasted along with traffic.
7.- Services along Autobahns are a class above American interstates. Every service station will have a bistro or a sit-down restaurant, good selection of hot food and gourmet sandwiches, gift shop, and above all very clean toilets. Go to a restroom on I-10 between Baton Rouge and Houston and you are risking you will catch some infectious disease!

Traveling on the Autobahn is a joy, a pleasant and relaxing experience. Driving on American interstates is a dreadful experience.

Europeans are very well trained, especially in theory. There’s much more to it than rechtsfahren, though I’m sure you realize that.

The couple of times I’ve felt in danger on the autobahns was around Americans. One time some US Army fools from Oklahoma (they brought their V8 Chevy station wagon) were driving 80mph in the fast lane when I came around a corner. I made sure they were aware of my displeasure.

One great European (or at least German) practice that everyone should adopt on the freeways is the immediate use of hazard lights when a hazard is seen on the road. The traffic slows VERY quickly.

-endes gut alles gut

I wish more places adhered to it. It is ever so annoying that a car will do less than the speed limit in the passing lane and that is perfectly fine, but if you pass them on the inside in the non-passing lane its against the law.

It certainly is not enforced around here and I agree with your assessments. People drive like IDIOTS here and that is why there are so many accidents, not because of speeds.