The Pacific Islands of Samoa have become the first country since the 1970s to switch from driving on the right side of the road to the left.

According to the government, the change will allow cheaper cars to be imported into the country as opposed to the more expensive ones currently imported from the US and American Samoa.

The switch came in spite of a legal challenge from opposition who believe the change will lead to wrecks and fatalities.

The country has also declared a two-day holiday to give people time to adjust to the change in direction.

At present, nearly 70% of the world’s population drive on the right side of the road.