Why Did Sweden Switch from Driving on the Left-Hand Side of the Road to Drive on the Right?

I spent two months working for Saab in Trollhattan, during which time I drove the 92 and 92 GT models with steering wheels on the left and on the left side of the road. My colleagues mentioned that on snow-contrasted roads, it was easier to see the verge.

Alignment with Neighboring Countries

Sweden switched its driving side from the left to the right on September 3, 1967, in an event known as the Alignment with Neighboring Countries. Most of Sweden’s neighboring countries, including Norway, Finland, and Denmark, drove on the right. This move facilitated cross-border travel and trade, making it easier for drivers to navigate without adjusting to different driving systems.

Safety Considerations

The switch aimed to enhance road safety. Many Swedish cars were designed with the driver on the left side of the vehicle, which is more compatible with right-hand driving. This positioning improved visibility and reduced accidents, especially when overtaking other vehicles. This non-drastic yet significant safety improvement became a major factor in the decision.

Vehicle Imports

As more cars were imported from countries that drove on the right, the need for compatibility grew. The majority of cars in Sweden were left-hand drive, which posed challenges when driving on the left side of the road. This reality emphasized the importance of the switch for smooth road usage.

Public Opinion and Awareness

Leading up to the switch, there was a significant public campaign to prepare drivers for the change. Extensive media coverage and educational efforts ensured a smooth transition for the populace, solidifying the decision's social acceptance.

The One-Word Answer: Conformism

The transition to right-hand driving in Sweden was not solely driven by safety or infrastructure needs. There is a one-word answer: conformism. The great majority of European countries, especially neighboring countries like Norway, Denmark, and Finland, drove on the right. This alignment was crucial for cross-border traffic and trade.

Additionally, the left position of the driver in Swedish cars made overtaking more challenging than in other left-driving countries. However, the driver's position on the left provided a slight advantage in terms of safety, particularly in oncoming traffic scenarios. This factor, though marginal, became a point of discussion.

It is interesting to note that there is a curious exception in the US Virgin Islands, where cars still drive on the left as of the 1970s. This legacy traces back to the island's history as a Danish possession in the 19th century, when Denmark itself drove on the left until the 1920s. Yet, the impact of car sparsity during that time meant this peculiarity was not a significant factor.

In conclusion, Sweden's transition from left-hand to right-hand driving was a forward-looking move that improved safety and facilitated cross-border travel. While logistical and safety reasons played a crucial role, the broader context of conformism with neighboring countries underscored this significant modernization step for Sweden’s road system.