Life Without Traffic Signs

zuikaku writes, "Der Spiegel has an article titled European Cities Do Away with Traffic Signs reporting that seven cities and regions in Europe are doing away with traffic signs, signals, painted lines, and even sidewalks. With the motto 'Unsafe is Safe,' the idea is that, when faced with an uncertain, unregulated situation, drivers will be naturally cautious and courteous. Then again, they may end up with streets jammed with pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars like some places in India and China." I can't see this idea getting traction in the U.S.

Noes.

[Anonymous Coward]

They already drive on the wrong side of the road. Now, this?!

In other news...

[Dr. Eggman]

In other news today, the UN has praised Europe for its recent decline in population growth rates. While many regions have had near-balanced birth/death rates, the latest figures show a sharp increase in the death rate, putting most of Europe in a population decline. Our over-populated world thanks you!

No more one way streets...

[thejuggler]

I can get into this. No speed limits and no more one way streets. Sweet! Of course I'll have to start driving and armored car or a tank to stay alive.

Works if you make the roads bumpy

[Animats]

Notice the "everything will be covered in cobblestones" part. Bumpy roads as traffic control - that's a brutal solution to the problem. Coming up next, artificial potholes.

ORLY?

[Yetihehe]

I can't see this idea getting traction in the U.S.

Certainly, it needs more traction control.

Re:In other news...

[Dr. Eggman]

I am interested.

Do you wish to subscribe to my newsletter?

Re:Not in the USA

[ScrewMaster]

Yes, but you see, they were polite about it, which makes it okay.

Re:In other news...

[kbmccarty]

I will be eagerly awaiting the 2100 issue!

Re:In other news...

[Andy Gardner]

The Muslims don't see it the same way you do. They will fill in the vacuum, hope you enjoy sharia and dhimmitude.

Don't forget the communists and witches.

Denmark!

[MonoSynth]

What about the new Danish traffic signs [break.com]?

Good idea

[Anonymous Coward]

Reminds me of the old idea that if one would really want the roads to be safer they should demand outlawing seatbelts and installing sharp spikes on the driving wheel.

Comment removed

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:In other news...

[Patrik_AKA_RedX]

I didn't know communists and witches could mate...

Re:Unsafe is safe, war is peace...

[lga]

p.s. I'm not a highway geek, I'm a traffic engineer.

What's the difference?

Re:Unsafe is safe, war is peace...

[Anonymous Coward]

But apart from the sanitation, the aqueduct, and the roads....

Re:Unsafe is safe, war is peace...

[somersault]

actually I find it a lot easier to drive on cobbles at higher speeds, because then your suspension doesn't really get a chance to travel, and the ride is smoother :)