re: Car rental in Europe

You are oh so CORRECT about driving/left lane in Germany/Austria/Switzerland and to some degree most of western Europe. The lane 'discipline' is outstanding....drivers tend to adhere to traffic laws such as SLOWER traffic stays in the right lanes and passing in the far left lane happens quickly, NO doddeling along, they get OUT OF THE WAY ! Probably due to the expense [up to $5k for an initial drivers lic.],it takes a year of 'training' to get licensed [they want you well versed in driving in ALL conditions,rain,ice,snow AND on ALL types of roads i.e. autobahn,country etc. high speed merging,mandatory use of blinkers etc. Fines/penalties are extremely high so most drivers guard their driving record. Along with these well trained drivers you have a yearly inspection for your vehicle which is a REAL inspection...vehicles which do not pass are NOT allowed on the roadways until ALL repairs are complete = NO clunkers breaking down all over the highways ! Most importantly, the semis are strictly relegated to the right lanes ONLY and at minimum 10 km lower speed limits as well as almost zero truck traffic allowed from Sat. noon until early Mon. am...they ALL agree this is the safer model for all traffic...they can all wait for the new toaster/washing machine etc. for a couple of extra days ! WHY this would not work in the US ? I'll give you a two word answer....truck lobby, they have bribed untold numbers of elected officials and the US DOT is seemingly powerless against them !