The flaw in logic here is to assume that Germany and the US are otherwise identical in policy. But of course that's not remotely true. Germany roads are safer because

- Drivers are required to obtain an extensive education at a licensed driving school and pass a rigorous test before being allowed to drive.

- Driving rules such as "no passing on the right" are strictly enforced in Germany, creating a more predictable (and thus safer) driving environment. There is absolutely no way something like the following could be achieved in the US due to Americans' stubbornness and lack of driving discipline:

https://jalopnik.com/how-germans-make-way-for-emergency-vehi...

- German roads are designed to naturally encourage people to make good decisions by the use of roundabouts, narrower lanes (which naturally make people slow down and be more careful) and many similar "vision zero" initiatives.

- German roads are consistently maintained.

- When you're not on the autobahn, speed limits are generally lower than in the US and are more strictly enforced.

Not to say that Germany is perfect, but they are doing much more than the US to ensure road safety and are doing so more consistently.

- Moreover, German vehicles (meaning vehicles registered in Germany, not vehicles from German brands/factories) must pass strict tests every two years (for vehicles less than 10 years) or yearly (10 years or more).

Some US states have a looser policy on this.

The inspections might differ, but most states that require vehicle inspections do so yearly.

And most include an emissions test, which reduces the need for complex mechanical inspections, and largely negates differences in inspection "quality".

Do those deaths only count Autobahn/highway deaths?

If not, then Germany has the upper hand with a miraculous ancient technology called sidewalks.

They also have bike lanes - no, not for motorcycles, but bicycles!

In addition to that you actually have to demonstrate some driving competence (with a minimum of 20 hours of theory study) to get a driver's license.

Most US states require more than 20 hours in the classroom (usually a week or two), plus 8+ hours of actual driving with a driver's education teacher, plus some number of years with a learner's permit, where driving is only allowed during the day with a licensed driver 21 or older supervising in the vehicle. Then written and driving tests by the DMV must be passed to get licensed.

In practice, the classroom study usually isn't all that rigorous, and the testing is likely too easy.

But the requirements on paper aren't typically any easier in the US.

What's most needed is probably refresher quizzes for license renewals to remind drivers of commonly forgotten or new driving laws. Like who has right of way at a 4 way stop, or how to zipper merge.

"Taking a closer look at Germany, federal and state statistics reported by Der Spiegel show that there 0.95 fatal accidents per billion kilometres driven on German autobahn sections with speed limits. When it comes the parts without a speed limit, however, there are 1.67 fatal accidents - 75 percent more than on stretches with a speed limit."

https://www.statista.com/chart/25098/fatality-rate-and-speed... https://www.spiegel.de/auto/aktuell/tempolimit-koennte-jaehr... ( In German, should be the original source)

Would be interesting to know about accidents in general. It's quite obvious that higher speeds increase the likelihood of fatal accidents.