Table of Contents
Did Sweden used to drive on the left?
On Sunday, September 3, 1967, Sweden changed from driving on the left-hand side of the road to driving on the right. Also, despite the left-hand driving rule, cars in Sweden typically had the steering wheel on the left, leading to many accidents, especially on narrow roads.
When did Sweden switch to driving on the right side of the road?
3 September 1967
Swedes began cautiously driving on the right-hand side of roads around the country at precisely 5am on 3 September 1967, following a radio countdown.
Why was Sweden driving on the left?
Sweden initiated the driving change in part because its neighbors already drove on the right side of the road. Many members of the Swedish parliament also argued that the left-hand vehicles Swedes drove had caused too many head-on collisions.
What side of the road do people drive in Sweden?
right
Which side of the road will I drive on in Sweden? In Sweden, you will be driving on the right side of the road, as you would here in the United States.
When did Sweden changed from driving on the left?
September 3, 1967
Högertrafikomläggningen, of course! That’s the day, September 3, 1967, that Swedes switched from driving on the left side of the road to driving on the right side. Most cars in Sweden already had their steering wheels on the left side, anyway, so the change made turning and passing much safer for everyone.
Did Norway ever drive on the left?
At the time, Sweden was the only country in the vicinity with left-hand driving, creating traffic flow inconsistencies with neighbors Norway and Finland. Most Swedes drove left-hand drive vehicles like we have here in the States, making the original traffic arrangement a bit awkward as far as visibility.
Why does Canada not drive on the left?
Canada abandoned the left side of the road in the 1920s to facilitate traffic to and from the United States.
Which is safer driving on the left or right?
It has been noticed that countries that drive on the left side of the road have considerably fewer traffic accidents and fatalities than those that drive on the right side of the road. A study performed in 1969 by J.J. In right handed traffic, this important responsibility is relegated to the weaker left eye.
Which countries used to drive on the left?
Most areas of the world which were formerly British colonies still drive on the left hand side of the road including Australia, the Caribbean, India and South Africa. Japan also drives on the left. Europe generally drives on the right hand side apart from Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom.
Did Norway used to drive on the left?
All neighbouring countries drive on the right, including Norway and Finland, with which Sweden shares land borders, with five million vehicles crossing annually. Approximately 90 percent of Swedes drove left-hand drive vehicles, and this led to many head-on collisions when passing on narrow two-lane highways.
Did Denmark ever drive on the left?
An official keep-right rule was introduced in Paris in 1794, more or less parallel to Denmark, where driving on the right had been made compulsory in 1793. Left-hand driving was made mandatory in Britain in 1835. Countries which were part of the British Empire followed suit.
When did Sweden switch to the other side of the road?
On Sunday, September 3, 1967, Sweden changed from driving on the left-hand side of the road to driving on the right. As you might imagine, this switch was anything but easy. The decision to move to the other side of the road was not taken lightly. In fact, the idea had repeatedly been voted down during the preceding decades.
When do you Drive on the left side of the road?
Driving on the left Oncoming traffic when driving on the left is seen on the right side. The driving seat is usually on the right side of the vehicle, hence the designation right hand drive (RHD); Right-turning traffic must cross oncoming traffic; Most traffic signs facing motorists are on the left side of the road;
When did people start driving on the left?
The first law requiring drivers to keep right was passed in Pennsylvania in 1792, and similar laws were passed in New York in 1804 and New Jersey in 1813. Despite the developments in the US, some parts of Canada continued to drive on the left until shortly after the Second World War.
When did Europeans stop driving on the left?
There was a movement in the 20th century towards the harmonisation of road laws in Europe and a gradual shift began from driving on the left to the right. The last Europeans to change from left to right were the Swedes who bravely made the change overnight on Dagen H (H Day), September 3rd 1967.