Elderly motorist stunned by switch to right-hand traffic -- in 1967

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2007

STOCKHOLM (AFP) — A 79-year-old motorist in Sweden who hadn't driven to town in more than 40 years told a court he was stunned to discover that the country had switched from left to right-hand traffic -- in 1967.

The man, whose name was not disclosed, was in court in the southern Swedish town of Karlskrona on a charge of reckless driving after he backed into traffic coming in the opposite direction, forcing motorists in both directions to slam on the brakes, the local daily Sydoestran reported.

He then crashed into a traffic light, sending it toppling and causing damage to the rear of his car, before continuing driving.

A police car with sirens and flashing lights wasn't enough to get the man to pull over, so police had to use their patrol car to cut him off...