Around 35% of countries around the world drive right-hand cars on the left side of the road, leaving the other 65% asking one question: Why?
In general, there are a handful of things probably all people can agree on: life’s not fair, youth is wasted on the young, and three-day weekends should be mandatory. However, 76 countries and territories worldwide would not agree that driving on the right-hand side of the road makes the most sense. But where does this custom come from?
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Start earning nowWhy do some countries drive on the left side of the road?
That’s a complex answer, so let’s have a history lesson, shall we?
Archaeologists have found proof that the ancient Romans who settled in present-day UK preferred to drive their carts on the left side of the road. There’s also evidence to suggest that in Rome and Greece, chariots and marching armies kept to the left side of the road—but no one can say why for sure.
Now, let’s jump ahead a few hundred years.
Back in the medieval days of Europe, most people traveled on the left side of the road because—as most people are right-handed—it was easier to draw swords and protect themselves from any thieves they encountered on their journey.
Left-hand driving emerged when transportation methods changed in France in the 18th century. Teamsters began using teams of horses, and the driver was positioned on the left rear horse. This allowed the driver to keep their right hand free to steer the horses, forcing oncoming traffic to pass on the left-hand side. In fact, Napoleon officially made right-hand driving the rule of the road during his rule.
The British Government had other plans. Until 1756, driving on the left was only custom—but the government passed a law that mandated all traffic on the London Bridge to keep to the left side. The Highway Act of 1835 then made left-side driving mandatory for the whole country.
Most countries that drive on the left-hand side today are either currently or were once part of the British Empire. That’s why the Brits—along with countries like Australia, New Zealand, India, and the former British colonies in Africa—still stick to the left side of the road.
When did America start driving on the right-hand side?
When the US was a British colony, they also drove on the left-hand side, although that changed when we got our independence. The switch to right-hand side driving was due to a few factors, like Americans’ desire to cut all ties with England, the influence of immigrants from Europe, and transportation and industry changes.
It was made official in 1792 with a Pennsylvania law
that required right-side driving, and other states followed suit. Canada was also influenced by European immigrants‚ though some provinces didn’t join the right-hand side until the 20th century. Do most countries drive on the right-hand side?
Most countries drive on the right side of the road, but that wasn’t always the case. Henry Ford’s Model T hit the scene in 1908, and its driver’s seat, steering wheel, and controls were on the left side of the car. American cars quickly grew in popularity around the globe, forcing many left-hand countries to make the switch to the right-hand side of the road in order to accommodate the New Era.
Countries like Italy, Spain, Sweden, and much of Eastern Europe transitioned to the right side of the road in the 20th century. The most recent country to make the switch was Samoa in 2009!
Do any American cities drive on the left-hand side?
There are no cities in the United States where cars are driven on the left. However, in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI)—which are under US jurisdiction—people still drive on the left side of the road.
Can you use a right-hand-drive car in the US?
Yes! The United States does not have any law that restricts driving a right-hand drive vehicle in the US. In fact, many US Postal Service workers—especially in rural areas—are given right-hand drive vehicles to deliver mail.
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