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Meskel Square, Addis Abeba

Meskel Square, Addis Abeba

Rift Valley Expeditions
0 HN recommenders · discussed 2018–2023
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About this video

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 it appears in the archive

Cited in debates on removing traffic signals as an example of chaotic, rule-light traffic, with some saying it does not work.

AI-generated summary and labels from the source dataset; verify important details against the video. Source & credits.

From the Hacker News discussion

jakeogh · 2018-03 · reference

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. [VIDEO]

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lazyjones · 2019-10 · reference

Perhaps our traffic jams are due to too many rules? Classic video that demonstrates an alternative way of doing things: [VIDEO]

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yohannesk · 2023-07 · critical

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] [VIDEO]

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