A world that runs on courtesy and caution....

It may be old news to you — a googling of the story has revealed stories that are months and months old — but I've only just heard of the town in Germany that's removed all traffic-regulating signage and engineering in a bid to lower — lower, not raise — the number of traffic accidents. Remarkably, say people in more recent reports, it seems to be working.

Imagine. Increasing personal responsibility improves safety. What does this say about the fundamental characteristics of human nature? Does it argue for the traditional idea of anarchy (not the Clockwork Orange, hoodlums-gone-wild version)? Is it a reflection of national characteristics (or even stereotypes — the Germans as hyper-polite rules-followers, even when, or perhaps especially when, the rules must become internalized)? Is it a fluke? Is it a revolutionary take on the social contract?

It's something to keep an eye on, I'm certain of it. (Story idea?)