10M views · Oct 12, 2012 · 1:55 · 0 HN recommenders · 3 mentions · discussed 2018–2023
A short clip of Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, a busy crossroads where vehicles and pedestrians mix with few apparent rules. Filmed in 2013.
Why Hacker News points people here: Cited in debates on removing traffic signals as an example of chaotic, rule-light traffic, with some saying it does not work.
Chaotic ruleless traffic at a busy Addis Ababa square
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
“Classic video that demonstrates an alternative way of doing things”
Traffic flowing without rules as an alternative
Perhaps our traffic jams are due to too many rules? Classic video that demonstrates an alternative way of doing things: this video
“I can confirm that it does not work.”
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
