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[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by RooniusMaximus (original)

As said, it certainly wasn't safe in that instance, but there are stretches of road where they're straight, smooth, have no junctions, blind bends or crests and, because you can see far enough ahead no people. If you do it only when these conditions are present then it certainly can be safe.

The problem in most instances is that people don't tend to use those criteria. Unfortunatley they pay no attention to the possibility of:

horses
pedestrians on road because there is no footpath
Tractors or slow moving traffic around the bext bend
Junctions
Mud on Road
the fact that country roads are often bumpy and can unsettle your car

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating it, and nor do I do it, but to say it's never safe is ridiculous. Does that mean it's not safe to do it on an Autobahn? Arguably it's less safe there because you have other road users most of the time - and you can never guarantee what anotehr driver will do.

Bear in mind that the only stretches of Autobahn that are derestricted are those that have no junctions joining or leaving so you won't have slow moving traffic - but that doesn't mean someone won't just pull out into your lane without seeing you.

For me, the great thing about the Mini is that it's fun to drive at a slower pace due to the way it handles. Our BMW is far quicker in a straight line. But straight line speed is not fun. For me I'd have more enjoyment out of traveling at 60 on a windy country road in our Mini than at 140 on an Autobahn in our Beemer.

As long as you know EXACTLY what wildlife are around, that nobody is playing nearby, that farmers aren't going to pull out of fields, birds aren't going to dive at the car, animals aren't going to run out in front of you....

It's NEVER safe, maybe you could say less dangerous, but never safe, always illegal, and always stupid.