In a momentous event marking a radical change in the country’s traffic laws, Sweden transitioned from left-hand to right-hand driving on September 3, 1967. The move, dubbed “Högertrafikomläggningen” or “H-Day,” was a simple switch of lanes and a complex operation years in the making.
A Nation Transformed
The decision to switch to right-hand driving was not made lightly. In the early 1950s, a suggestion to change driving sides was met with strong opposition, culminating in a referendum in 1955 where 83 percent of voters rejected the idea. After four years of meticulous planning and 40 years of heated debates, Sweden embarked on this significant transformation to align itself with its continental European counterparts. The transition came at a staggering cost, estimated to be double the official figure of £40m.
This mammoth undertaking involved over 2,000 soldiers, 6,000 civil police, 50,000 school police, and 150,000 volunteers deployed nationwide to ensure a smooth transition. Street signs underwent last-minute alterations, with 350,000 signs reversed to accommodate the new traffic flow.
The most challenging thing was the shortage of time, no vacation at all, too many hours a day for months – Arthur Olin
“I worked incredibly hard on the night itself,” remembers Ramqvist, who shared the responsibility for ensuring around 3,000 signs in Malmö were moved correctly.
“My boss was very proud because we were one of the first (municipalities) to ring Stockholm and tell the head of the commission that we were finished,” he says, recalling a charged and celebratory atmosphere. “We found ourselves eating cake and drinking coffee in the middle of the night!”
Others remember the stress of the project more vividly.
“The most challenging thing was the shortage of time, no vacation at all, too many hours a day for months, I almost killed myself,” says Arthur Olin, now 82, who was working as a traffic consultant in the city of Helsingborg and says he spent a full year knee-deep in logistical planning.
The stress caused him to “hit the wall” a year later. “I had to go to Africa for two weeks just to cut all connections to the job – doctor’s sharp instructions!” (source bbc)
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Chaotic Beginnings
As the clock struck 4:50 am, all traffic across Sweden’s extensive 60,000 miles of roads came to a standstill for 10 minutes. However, the scene in Stockholm’s bustling Kungsgatan resembled more of a spectacle than a smooth transition.
Despite prior restrictions in the city centre, chaos ensued as eager drivers attempted the switch, resulting in congested roads and minor accidents. With military helicopters buzzing overhead, the order was eventually restored, but not without challenges.
The meticulous planning extended even to the elk-hunting season, which was rescheduled to prevent additional traffic complications. To mitigate potential accidents from confusion, a rigorous publicity campaign accompanied by strict speed limits and continuous reminders for drivers to keep their headlights on day and night.
Furthermore, intersections had to be reconfigured to facilitate the merging of traffic, and non-essential vehicles were banned from the roads for the duration of the transition.
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A Political Test
The success of the transition carried significant political weight, particularly for Mr. Olof Palme, the Minister of Communications, whose future as a potential prime minister hinged on the operation’s success. However, amidst the celebrations, criticism emerged over the operation’s hefty price tag and its implications on future taxes. The proposed 50 per cent increase in vehicle tax the following year was widely attributed to the cost of “Högertrafikomläggningen.”
Never before has a country invested so much personal labour, and money, to achieve uniform international traffic rules – Olof Palme
Sweden’s shift to the right was not an isolated event. Several countries have undergone similar transitions, each with unique challenges and outcomes. From Samoa in 2009 to Canada and Spain in the early 20th century, the adoption of right-hand driving has been a global phenomenon. However, Sweden’s transition is one of the most meticulously planned and executed examples.
In safety terms, the project was declared a success almost immediately. As Swedes began their working week on the day after H-Day, 157 minor traffic accidents were reported around the country, slightly less than average for a typical Monday. Nobody died.
Peter Kronborg, a Stockholm-based traffic consultant and author of a book about Dagen H, Håll dig till höger Svensson (Keep to the right, Svensson), was 10 years old on the day of the switch and recalls excitedly riding his bicycle on the right-hand side of the road for the first time, as well as a buzz around global media gathering in the Swedish capital to report on the day’s events.
The journalists were waiting for this bloodbath – a huge number of accidents. They were a little disappointed – Peter Kronborg
“It was the most important thing to happen in Sweden in 1967,” he says. “The journalists – especially the guys from BBC – they were waiting for this bloodbath – a huge number of accidents. They were a little disappointed. At least that’s what I read!”
A total of 1,077 people died and 21,001 were injured in 1967, the year of Dagen H, down from 1,313 and 23,618 respectively in 1965, which was largely considered to be a result of the extra caution taken by Swedes as a result of the switchover and the state’s nationwide campaign. It took another three years before accident and fatality rates returned to their original levels, during which time car ownership continued to increase rapidly across the country. (source bbc)
Legacy of H-Day
Despite initial scepticism and logistical hurdles, Sweden’s transition to right-hand driving proved successful, laying the groundwork for safer and more efficient roadways. The government’s proactive approach and extensive public education efforts ensured a relatively smooth transition, with traffic accidents quickly returning to pre-transition levels.
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Cost Estimates
While precise figures may vary, historical records indicate that the total cost of Dagen H amounted to hundreds of millions of kronor. Economic historians estimate the project’s cost to be around 628 million kronor, equivalent to approximately 2.6 billion kronor ($316 million) in today’s money. This figure encompasses the expenses associated with infrastructure modifications, public outreach initiatives, logistical operations, and other related expenditures.
The Monday after H-Day saw a significant decrease in traffic accidents attributed to risk-averse driving, but rates soon normalized. By 1969, accident and fatality rates were back to their original levels, signalling the effectiveness of Sweden’s approach.
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Reasons for Switching from Left to Right: Dagen H
- Alignment with European Norms: Sweden’s decision to transition from left-hand to right-hand driving was driven by the desire to harmonize its traffic laws with those of its European neighbours. Most European countries drove on the right side of the road, necessitating Sweden’s adaptation for smoother cross-border traffic and enhanced regional integration.
- Enhanced Road Safety: The prevailing safety concerns associated with driving on the left side of the road and the widespread use of left-side steering wheel vehicles contributed to a high rate of road accidents in Sweden. By switching to right-hand driving, the government aimed to mitigate these safety risks and improve road safety for motorists and pedestrians.
- Modernization and Efficiency: Embracing right-hand driving represented a modernization effort for Sweden’s transportation infrastructure. The shift was accompanied by infrastructure upgrades, including reversing traffic lights, changing road signs, and redesigning intersections to accommodate the new traffic flow. This modernization drive aimed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Sweden’s road network.
- International Trade and Commerce: With most of Sweden’s neighbouring countries driving on the right side of the road, the switch facilitated smoother trade and commerce across borders. It eliminated barriers to cross-border transportation and logistics, streamlining the movement of goods and people between Sweden and its European counterparts.
- Public Opinion and Political Will: Despite initial resistance and a referendum in 1955 where the majority voted against the switch, the government eventually garnered sufficient political will and public support to implement the change. Evolving attitudes, safety considerations, and the broader context of European integration influenced the decision.
As Sweden embraces its new traffic paradigm, the rest of the world watches with interest. While the prospect of similar shifts in other countries remains uncertain, Sweden’s journey is a testament to the power of effective planning and public engagement in effecting significant societal changes. The legacy of “Högertrafikomläggningen” continues to shape Sweden’s transportation policies and serves as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to progress and modernization in the face of daunting challenges.
