Speed Demons

If you've got the cash, you've got the speed. That seems to be the lesson gleaned from a poll conducted by TNS Infratest which surveyed 1,002 German drivers. More well-off drivers tended to race down Germany's famous autobahns while those who are economically challenged take their time.

Of those earning more than 2,500 euros ($3,310) a month, 64 percent drove over the recommended speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) and took little notice of fuel consumption and environmental pollution.

For those who have direct experience on Germany's freeway system, the results will come as little surprise. Woe to the driver who stays in the passing lane as a late-model Mercedes or BMW approaches. If you don't want to be run over, make a quick move to the right and watch in awe as a black blur whips past, apparently going after some new land-speed record.

That leaves the rest of the pack -- the cheaper Fiats, Skodas, Renaults and ancient VW's -- in the dust. Only 37 percent of drivers with a net income under 1,500 euros a month drove over the recommended speed, the poll found.

Despite the high speeds of some, 87 percent of Germans asked said they were in favor of a speed limit on German autobahns. One in three called for a maximum speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). The group least in favor of any speed restriction was in the over-50 group -- only 82 percent of them thought a limit was a good idea.

It might be wise to get out of Grandpa's way.