Interesting article on successful experiments in reducing traffic accidents by getting rid of all traffic signs:
http://www.lewrockwell.com/shaffer/shaffer213.html

"For a number of years now, a number of cities in Europe have been experimenting with the removal of all traffic signs – including traffic lights, stop signs, speed limit directives – and with surprising results. Various towns in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, New Zealand – even the UK! – have joined in the experiment. Contrary to the expectations of those who might expect multi-car pileups throughout the cities, traffic accidents have been dramatically reduced (in one town, dropping from about eight per year to fewer than two)."

>>in one town, dropping from about eight per year to fewer than two)."

Ah... would this mean just one. Just curious!

This pretty much sums up your research.

Perhaps you should look at real towns with real people.

Have you not witnessed the caos at intersections when the lights go out. At least until the police arrive to direct those who have no idea what to do or when to go.

Maybe having no traffic signs in small towns that only have a few car accidents a year might work, but it would be total chaos in big cities!

I agree with rehctub in that I too have witnessed the chaos of multiple traffic lights being out, especially in peak hour traffic.
Not for me thanks!

Pretty much guys- removing traffic lights only works on quiet roads that have only two or three cars a minute going either way on an intersection (with no peak hour traffic) allowing enough time to get through.

Although having said that I could imagine quite a few traffic light areas being replaced by roundabouts with "give way" signs- especially near the RSL clubs and suburban business districts- it's insane that a private venue gets to stop traffic (even if its because I'm going there).
Especially when I've seen areas that HAVE used roundabouts and worked just fine.

Would never work for CBDs though.

I would imagine that when the traffic slows to 2kmph the accident rate will reach zero

Oh yea of little faith!

Go to Noosa, observe the reduced level of speed signs in busy places where vehicles and cycle-pedestrians mingle.

The trick is to remove speed zone signs, narrow the lane width, encourage cyclists and pedestrians to take their rigtful place, and vehicles slow down.

In the US there are all sorts of tricks that are tried out. I read of the removal of traffic lights creating a reduction in accidents as drivers were forced to actually look at other people in cars to see what their faces indicated...had they seen other cars, were they waving you on and so on.

Our suburban roads are far too fast, and should be reduced to at least 40 kph, if not 30 kph as in Europe.