more than you think. the average speed on a unrestricted zone is about 160km/h and a lot floor it, after the guy in front of them moved over, until the next one is there.
go there at night- you will be surprised.
If you really want to see a "race track" check the 8-lane Autobahn between Frankfurt and Darmstadt- 50km unrestricted, 4 lanes in each direction. far left- if you're at 240 and think you're fast- check the rearview mirror! At night all the rich guys getting their toys out there- Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin...- name it- you'll see it. if you have time to look- because it's fast there. Motorcycles- they let it fly everywhere they can.
The reason, why not much happens is Adrenalin.
with such speed, you don't have time to eat, drink, smoke, fix up your make up (women) or answer texts or check facebook. people are focused and concentrated and the adrinalin keeps your reflexes on top level. also - if you're used to it- you learn to think a few miles ahead and know, when you can expect someone doing something stupid, like pulling into your lane and you're prepared. Because the law does not say automatically, if you hit someone in the back, it's your fault- there they make you responsible when you step in the brakes out of no reason- everything smaller than an hog is not a reason. run over it and be good. if you step in and someone hits you from the back, it's your fault. People know this and drive respective.
And then tell me one sober person, who would fall asleep with 200+ km/h.
Another thing is- passing right is not allowed, and if you do so and get caught, you loose your license for a month. and they take the word of someone calling the cops on you. Trust me- they do that.
a phone in your hand cost you also 1 month your license- no texting and driving- you can have phone calls, but only with hands free device.
there are many other laws and most of them make you walk, when caught. They even have stationary and flexible cameras on the road checking speed- get caught, you will not get stopped- but you get a letter with your picture and the bill in your mailbox. They also check on bridges your distance to the guy in front of you- you're too close- another month walking.
Yes- sounds like a lot of control- and I hated it and don't think it's a good thing- I think it's overkill. But obviously it helps to make the roads safe.
Also a factor is - the lanes are wider than here in the us. the faster you go, the closer the lane appears and the harder it is to stay in it. Them roads over there are made for the speed.
But- last time I've been there- 10 years ago- I was shocked- after driving totally relaxed here in the US- over there it's like war. I can believe, if Americans, who never experienced such, go over there and with a rental car on the road- they will feel threatened for their lifes.
Just think- people over there talking about a relaxed travel, after flying with 200km/h over the road. That should tell you a lot.