Meskel Square, Addis Abeba
Why Hacker News recommends it
Cited in debates on removing traffic signals as an example of chaotic, rule-light traffic, with some saying it does not work.
What it is
A short clip of Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, a busy crossroads where vehicles and pedestrians mix with few apparent rules. Filmed in 2013.
Recommended by 0 HN commenters across 0 different months, 2018 to 2023.
What Hacker News said
Cites jakeogh · 2018-03 · on “Police Say Uber Is Likely Not at Fault for Self-Driving Car Fatality in Arizona”
I don't think it will work. Instead the failing effort will be cover to add more and more rules in an attempt to hide the obvious while blaming the victim(s) for breaking the rules. [this video]
Cites lazyjones · 2019-10 · on “Ants Are Practically Immune to Traffic Jams”
Perhaps our traffic jams are due to too many rules? Classic video that demonstrates an alternative way of doing things: [this video]
Critical yohannesk · 2023-07 · on “Want fewer car accidents? Remove traffic signals and road signs (2017)”
I am from Ethiopia. I can confirm that it does not work. I wouldn't recommend tourists to drive here unless they stay at least a month observing how traffic works. Years ago when I started driving, I use to slow down, be attentive, allow people to go first but through time I learned (was forced?) to be like the average driver or I couldn't get anywhere. This[1] place is renovated now but there are other squares where people drive like this. It's prone to traffic accidents [1] [this video]