Did you know that Sweden is the country that changed from driving on the left to driving on the right in 1967? This historic event, known as Dagen H or "H Day", took place on September 3, 1967, when Sweden officially switched the direction of traffic flow on its roads.
The decision to switch from left-hand to right-hand driving was made in an effort to align Sweden with its neighboring countries and improve road safety. The government launched an extensive public education campaign leading up to the switch, including distributing pamphlets and airing television commercials to inform drivers about the upcoming change.
On Dagen H, traffic came to a standstill at 4:50 am as all vehicles were required to stop and wait until 5:00 am when the switch officially took effect. Police and volunteers were stationed at key intersections to help direct traffic and ensure a smooth transition. Despite initial concerns about potential chaos and accidents, the switch was largely successful, with only a few minor incidents reported.
The switch to driving on the right has been credited with reducing accidents and improving traffic flow in Sweden. Today, the country boasts one of the lowest rates of road fatalities in the world, thanks in part to the decision to change the direction of traffic flow.
If you're interested in learning more about the history of driving on the left versus driving on the right, or about Sweden's Dagen H event, you can visit the Visit Stockholm website for more information. You can also check out the The Local Sweden article on the 50th anniversary of Dagen H for additional insights.
Overall, the switch from driving on the left to driving on the right in Sweden in 1967 was a bold and successful move that has had lasting positive effects on road safety in the country. It serves as a fascinating example of how a major change in traffic regulations can be implemented smoothly and effectively with the right planning and execution.
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