We have two seasons: winter and road repair. I believe our politicians take a lot of campaign money, in return for allowing road builders to give us roads that need big-time maintenance. I suspect the U S taxpayers are getting ripped off, and that the Europeans build much better roads, that require less maintenance. Can anyont tell me what, if anything, is better about the roads in Europe?
2006-09-25 03:38:01 · 5 answers · asked by ? 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Roads may hold up better because 1. Climate is less harsh, 2. Less road salt, 3. Lighter smaller cars, 4. Less traffic, 5. Thicker concrete. I think in Europe the mentality is different, they do things more long term than the US, of course, many in the US think 'why go long term, things change so fast what we do today is soon obsolete.' Only History will prove which way is better.
2006-09-25 03:44:46 · answer #1 · answered by victorschool1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've driven all over northern Europe, the UK and a lot of the easten USA, and also from coast to coast across Canada, and in the main I feel your observations are correct.
Certainly the USA roads I've used (apart from some interstate highways) are generally not as good as the European roads. France, Germany and parts of The Netherlands (the latter's autowegen), are superb. Overall, whether it is the top dressing used, basic foundations, lane markings, etc., then European roads are consistent better. Incidentally, I couldn't believe how, in New York city, some roads in the Canal Street area seemed to be constructed of iron sheeting. I have _never_ seen that anywhere else.
On the topic of US roads, I have twice driven from New York to JFK airport, along the beltway, at night, in the rain. The combination of 'yellowish' concrete road surface, faded and fragmented white painted lane markings (which can hardly be seen against the light concrete), the lack of UK style 'cats eyes' to delineate the lanes, the number of vehicles with only one light showing, and the under/overtaking that some drivers carried out with scant regard for others, made those two trips the scariest of my long driving life. Oh, and the only time I've ever seen some one driving a big car and eating a Chinese meal (using chopsticks, too) was in the USA.
And my American family members wonder why the US road accident rate is so high!
Drive safely.
2006-09-25 11:10:47 · answer #2 · answered by avian 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Haha, "Climate is less harsh". I wish. Salt is used extensively also- as it is in the short term cheaper than gravel.
I think, the main reason is probably that the roads are thicker. However, road repairs and their expense is still a big issue in Finland, less frequent or no.
2006-09-25 10:48:47 · answer #3 · answered by dane 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Roads in Europe are much better as they are built better from the start..In the US the lowest bidder gets to build the roads which is bad right from the start.Roads in Europe also have better underground drainage which prevents frost heaves
2006-09-25 10:42:58 · answer #4 · answered by dwh12345 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they are built with an 8" to 10 "cement base rather then the 4 to 6 in USA
2006-09-25 10:40:53 · answer #5 · answered by aldo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋