The Pacific island state of Samoa spent all day yesterday and today changing around. They went from driving on the right-hand side of the road to the left and adopted the British and Australian system. This switch-over is the first since Ghana, Sierra Leone and Nigeria switched sides in the 1970s and it's unusual as everyone else normally changes from left-hand traffic to the right.




Two thirds of the world population drive on the right-hand side of the road, even though historically, many used to move on the left. This had to do with Roman chariots being steered with the right hand while they'd hold the whip in their left hand and didn't want to whip anyone coming the opposite way. Knights also had to do battle with their good hand (which most-commonly is the right), and it's easier to mount and dismount horses on the left as well, so many stuck to that side. The U.K., Australia, New Zealand and India are among the few westernised countries that still drive on the left.

However, Henry Ford introduced right-hand cars to the US in 1908. It would be easier to get out of the car directly onto the curb, "Especially when there is a lady to be considered."

The reason why Samoa is changing sides this month is simple, if also a little sad. This way, they can buy cheap, used cars from Australia and New Zealand and don't have to worry about the side of the road they're on, as driving a right-hand-steering car in right-hand traffic can be confusing.

Many Samoans are furious about the governments' decision. It will create chaos on the streets and will definitely cause some serious accidents. Yesterday and today are national holidays in Samoa, so people can get used to the new system. But as they say: "In the beginning it will be hard, but we'll learn - we're not stupid!"