Does being born German automatically qualify you as a good driver? One small town in Germany thinks so, trusting its citizens so much on the road that they have abolished all road signs. That's right, in Bohmte there are no more suggested speeds, no more stop signs, and no more cross-walk lights. The concept originated in the Netherlands where it has already proven successful in small communities.
Construction starts this week as traffic signs around the town of 13,500 are taken down. "Sidewalks will disappear, as will the asphalt, replaced by cobblestones," Spiegel reports. "Cycle lanes and sidewalks will be distinguished from the road only by color."
The idea was inspired by the EU's Shared Space concept. "Road users have to negotiate their behavior with each other, rather than have it prescribed by rules -- the idea being that people will pay more attention to what other road users are doing and hence cause fewer accidents."
Germany Removes Road Signs
Drivers Use Own Judgement
Trend Themes
1. Shared Space Concept - Removing road signs and allowing road users to negotiate their behavior with each other instead of following strict rules can lead to increased attention and fewer accidents.
2. Trust-based Driving - Abolishing road signs in favor of trusting drivers to use their own judgement can encourage responsible driving and improve road safety.
3. Minimalistic Road Design - Eliminating road signs and simplifying road design to just essential markings and distinguishing features like color can create a more aesthetically pleasing and efficient transportation infrastructure.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - The transportation industry can explore new ways of designing and managing road systems that rely on shared responsibility and trust among road users.
2. Urban Planning - Urban planning professionals can incorporate trust-based driving concepts and minimalistic road designs in their strategies to create more livable and sustainable cities.
3. Automotive Technology - Automotive technology companies have an opportunity to develop innovative solutions like AI-powered smart vehicles and communication systems that facilitate safe and efficient trust-based driving.