Dagen H (H Day), Högertrafikomläggningen 1967

 

Sweden's Historic Traffic Switch: From Left to Righ

 In 1967, Sweden embarked on an audacious and unprecedented journey that would forever change the nation's roads and driving habits. The decision to switch from left-hand traffic to right-hand traffic, known as Dagen H (H Day), was a momentous event in Swedish history, driven by a complex blend of practicality, safety concerns, and meticulous planning.

 Sweden, like its British counterparts, had driven on the left side of the road for centuries. However, a series of factors prompted a radical shift. Neighboring countries Norway and Finland were going on the right, resulting in logistical challenges for Sweden, which shared land borders with them. Moreover, 90 percent of Swedes operated left-hand drive vehicles, leading to frequent head-on collisions on narrow two-lane highways.

 The safety concerns were paramount. Head-on collisions had become a grim reality, causing accidents and fatalities at an alarming rate. As the number of vehicles on Swedish roads surged from 500,000 to a projected 2.8 million by 1975, the urgency to reduce accidents and traffic congestion became undeniable.

 In the face of public opposition, a 1955 referendum saw 83 percent of voters opting to retain left-hand traffic. The Swedish Parliament approved the switch, primarily driven by pressing safety and practical considerations. The Statens Högertrafikkommission (the state right-hand traffic commission) was established to facilitate this colossal transformation. An extensive four-year education program was rolled out, guided by expert psychologists, to prepare the populace for the impending change.

 Dagen H arrived, and Sweden was enveloped in a frenzy of activity. At every intersection, an extra set of poles and traffic signals shrouded in black plastic awaited unveiling. Workers scurried the streets at dawn, removing the plastic revealing the new traffic signals. Road markings transformed from yellow lines to white lines covered with black tape.

  Approximately 350,000 road signs had to be removed or replaced, with Stockholm alone accounting for 20,000. Vehicles underwent modifications, replacing their left-hand traffic headlamps with right-traffic units. The sheer scale of these changes led to some initial chaos as drivers adjusted to the new norms.

  Despite the initial chaos and public resistance, the long-term impact of Sweden's switch to right-hand traffic was resoundingly positive. Safety improved dramatically, with a significant reduction in head-on collisions. As the number of vehicles grew, the decision to switch became increasingly justified.

 Over time, Sweden's road infrastructure and traffic management adapted seamlessly to the right-hand driving system. Once met with skepticism, the audacious move became a testament to Sweden's ability to prioritize safety and adapt to evolving transportation needs.

 In conclusion, Sweden's historic switch from left to right-hand traffic was a monumental endeavor, initially fraught with challenges but ultimately successful in enhancing road safety. It is a bold example of a nation's commitment to safety, practicality, and adaptability in the face of evolving transportation demands.