The Dramatic Shift in Driving Norms: A Neuroscientific Perspective

In Sweden in 1967, there was a sudden shift from driving on the left side of the road to the right side, a rare event showcasing how social norms can drastically change overnight. This shift provides insights into the power of social conventions and collective consciousness. The event was strategically planned as most neighbors already drove on the right, ensuring safety for drivers. Neuroscientists explain that adjusting to new social norms takes time because of ingrained habits and routines. When individuals relocate to a place with different norms, they struggle due to the implicit signals and habits they have developed. The case study exemplifies the complexity involved in steering an entire country's driving behavior in a different direction, requiring extensive communication efforts to avoid chaos. The event highlights the profound impact of social norms on human behavior and the challenges of adapting to unfamiliar conventions.