[thrdOriginal]

Completely anecdotal: a friend of mine moved here (US) from Germany ~ 5 weeks ago, and she was driving my car with me in the passenger seat. Just as I was thinking "she is a safe defensive driver," she approached a stop sign and to my shock did not stop, but slowed down only to continue on her way much like a yield sign. I freaked out a little in the vein of "Stop signs here are not suggestions!" She responded with points simiar to yours (and the articles'): there are way too many stop signs in the US, it is the most expensive part of driving (fuel-wise), and it essentially teaches people not to be thoughtful, cautious drivers. Now while driving I'm constantly thinking "what a wasteful stop sign."

[snprbob86]

I was riding with my friend from Romania. He had been in America for a few years, but on a college campus and had never driven here before. We were out of town and had a rental car. At the very first red light, he stopped, looked both ways, and then crossed a three lane road. I FREAKED OUT. I later realized that it was completely safe, and I was just upset because I didn't want him to get a ticket...

[83457]

I stop at signs because of people like her.

[JoeAltmaier]

And she stops on green lights because of people like her.