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islander

Sep 2 2009, 04:31 PM

Regular Samoa, not American Samoa, is changing the direction of traffic on there roads. So instead of driving on the right they will drive on the left like in Japan and Australia. They say they did it so that Samoans living in Australia and New Zealand will send used autos with the steerwheel on the right back to Samoa. But what is the real benefit in driving on the left side vs. right side.

Story:

QUOTE

Last Updated: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 13:54:00 +1000

Hundreds of protestors took to the streets of Samoa Tuesday morning, in a last-ditch effort to persuade the Samoan government not to proceed with plans to make drivers switch from using the right to the left side of the road.

The change-over is due to start next week.

The Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele wants residents to be able to get cheap cars from relatives in Australia and New Zealand, but protestors say there will be chaos on the roads and people will be killed.

The Samoan Supreme Court confirmed last Firday that the change over will happen.

Judge Vui Clarence Nelson said there was insufficient evidence that the switch would lead to a rise in road accidents.

PaxAsiaticus

Sep 3 2009, 12:03 AM

To a certain degree it does make sense to change the road,

Greater importation of cars from nearby developed countries, could spur some momentum for development in the islands.

But the protestors and public at large do have a point, such rapid change is hazardous and dangerous for public safety.

Plus, does Samoa need that many cars? How many of the Samoan public, outside family connections/networks, can purchase a car at a good price?

I've been to Apia myself. And it's city environment doesn't exactly need a freeway if you know what I am saying.

P.S Oh if you happen to be Samoan, then talofa bro.

freshynz

Sep 3 2009, 06:51 PM

QUOTE (islander @ Sep 2 2009, 10:31 AM)

Kalofae hehehe... It's not going to be as bad as people make it out. It's more people's frustration at PM Tuilaepa's arrogance.

salamat

Sep 3 2009, 10:21 PM

oh great Samoa's stretch of road that totals to 15 miles has a new traffic direction...instead of driving 5 minutes from one part to the other using the left lane they will now use the right lane...hurrah

islander

Sep 4 2009, 12:10 PM

Found out when the Germans controlled Samoa that they use to drive on the left side. The change to the left side will cost them $2.5 million.

And

QUOTE

There are 1,460 miles (2,337 km) of roads in Samoa, of which just 207 miles (332 km) are paved in a country slightly smaller than Rhode Island. About 245 miles (394 km) are main roads and 161 miles (259 km) are sealed

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