On May 10, 1963, Sweden made a historic change by switching from driving on the left side of the road to driving on the right. The decision to change the driving side came after years of discussion and planning, and it was a monumental event that had a lasting impact on the country’s transportation system.
The switch was known as “Högertrafikomläggningen,” which translates to “the right-hand traffic diversion” in English. It was a massive undertaking that required extensive planning and coordination, as well as significant changes to roads, vehicles, and traffic regulations.
The reasons behind the change were multifaceted. One of the primary reasons was that Sweden’s neighbors, including Norway, Denmark, and Finland, all drove on the right side of the road, which made it easier to cross borders and improve traffic flow. Additionally, with the increasing popularity of automobiles, the Swedish government saw an opportunity to modernize the country’s transportation system and reduce traffic accidents.
To prepare for the switch, the Swedish government launched an extensive public education campaign, including a popular song called “Håll dig till höger, Svensson” (“Keep to the Right, Svensson”) that encouraged drivers to stay on the right side of the road. The government also implemented a series of measures to ensure a smooth transition, such as temporarily prohibiting car sales and reducing speed limits.
3rd September 1967,4 years campgina, known as “Dagen H” or “the H day,” all traffic was stopped between 4:50 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. to allow workers to reconfigure roads and change traffic signs. At 5:00 a.m., traffic resumed on the right-hand side of the road, and police officers and civilian organizations were deployed to help manage the flow of traffic.
Despite some initial confusion and concerns, the switch was largely successful, and the Swedish transportation system adapted quickly to the new driving side. Today, driving on the right side of the road is the norm in Sweden, and the switch is seen as a major milestone in the country’s history.
It’s worth noting that the change in driving side also had some unintended consequences, such as an increase in left-handed driving cars and a spike in traffic accidents in the first few years after the switch. However, overall, the change was seen as a positive step forward for Sweden’s transportation system.
In conclusion, the switch from left- to right-hand driving in Sweden on 3rd Septmber, 1967, was a significant event that had a lasting impact on the country’s transportation system. By modernizing its traffic infrastructure and aligning with its neighboring countries, Sweden successfully made the switch and set itself on a path to greater traffic safety and efficiency.
Updated information: It’s worth noting that Day H, the day of the switch from left- to right-hand driving, is also referred to as “Dagen H” in Swedish. The change took place on 3rd September, 1967, and had a lasting impact on the country’s transportation system.