I've driven in the autobahn in Germany and in Austria. Some of them aren't that different than the typical US interestate, in fact I would even say that most interstates are actually better with wider lanes, more gentle curves and longer acceleration in-ramps compared to the autobahns I've driven in. Cars were not significantly newer/better either. The ONLY significant difference is that people actually use their BRAINS while driving in the autobahn. Specifically: you drive in the lane that corresponds to your speed, and pull to the right IMMEDIATELY after overpassing (because the BMW coming behind is coming pretty fast). Drivers going 200 km/h are extra careful, and assume that someone may pull in front of them to overpass another car. All in all, it is the fact that they are using the most important safety device, the BRAIN, rather than trusting some gizmo (technology, anti-lock brakes, etc) to keep them safe.