Most are related to the days when people travelled on horseback with swords. Swordsmen would wear their sword in a scabbard on their left. Scabbards were rather large and stuck out to the side. Keeping to the left of the road would avoid them hitting passersby.
Why is the UK the only country to drive on the left?
Traffic congestion in 18th century London led to a law being passed to make all traffic on London Bridge keep to the left in order to reduce collisions. This rule was incorporated into the Highway Act of 1835 and was adopted throughout the British Empire.
Why do British people drive on the right side?
In the absence of a driverâs seat inside the wagon, the driver sat on the rear left horse, with his right arm free to use his whip to keep the horses moving. Since he was sitting on the left, he wanted other wagons to pass on his left, so he kept to the right side of the road.
Do Scottish people drive on the left?
In Scotland, as in the rest of the UK, motorists drive on the left side of the road. Just remember to occasionally check your position in traffic, especially in the countryside where roads are often narrow and winding.
Why do American drivers sit on the left?
In the US, right-hand traffic goes back to the 18th century. Freight wagons were pulled by teams of horses. and the drivers rode on the left rear horse, using their right hand to more easily control the team. Traffic shifted to the right so drivers could easily avoid collisions.
Why do Americans drive on the right?
Riding on the right ensured that the whip never inadvertently hit a passing rider. In addition, following the American Revolution, the fledgling country wanted to throw off any remaining ties with England. By 1813 driving on the right was law in three states.
Why driving on the left is better?
Left Hand countries deliver safer driving
In left-hand traffic systems, the better-perfoming right eye is used to monitor oncoming traffic and the driverâs wing mirror. In right-hand traffic, the weaker left eye takes over. Plus, left-sided driving is safer for the elderly due to their failing visual abilities.
Is it safer to drive on the left or right?
It has been noticed that countries that drive on the left side of the road have considerably fewer traffic accidents and fatalities than those that drive on the right side of the road. A study performed in 1969 by J.J.
Why do Japanese drive on left?
In essence, driving on the left has little to do with cars. Quite the contrary, itâs all for the convenience of the samurai and Japanese road usage logic. You see, at the time of the samurai, city streets and footpaths were quite narrow. In addition, most samurai were right-handed and wore their katana on the left.
Why did Sweden change to driving on the right?
Sweden initiated the driving change in part because its neighbors already drove on the right side of the road. Many members of the Swedish parliament also argued that the left-hand vehicles Swedes drove had caused too many head-on collisions.
Is it hard for an American to drive in Scotland?
I hope this guide to driving in Scotland as an American is helpful to you as you plan your trip. Overall, driving in Scotland is not scary. If youâre a confident driver then youâll be completely fine. Just remember to pay attention and not get distracted.
Do Irish people drive on the left?
Driving laws
We drive on the left hand side of the road in Ireland. Everyone in your vehicle (front and back) MUST wear a seat belt at all times.
Do the Irish drive on the left?
Of course, in Britain and Ireland youâll be driving on the left-hand side of the road. Why that side? Originally, it was in order for you to drive defensivelyâŚwith your âsword handâ on the inside to protect you against unknown oncoming horsemen.
Who invented driving on the right?
England was the first nation to pass an official rule, in 1773, which made driving on the left the law. France, on the other hand, chose to drive on the right.
Which side do Japanese drive on?
left-
In Japan, vehicles usually drive on the left-hand side of the road. Be sure to obey any signs that indicate a speed limit. The legal speed limit is 60 km per hour on general roads and 100 km per hour on expressways.
When did France change to driving on the right?
The 1921 code was also the first time that the rule of driving on the right was officially enshrined in law in France.
Is right side steering illegal in USA?
However, can you drive a right-hand drive car in the USA? The answer is Yes, and itâs perfectly legal. Of course, when you use these cars, obeying the traffic laws is the same as other vehicles.
Do Australians drive on the left?
Australia: Left-hand traffic
We drive on the left for one reason and one reason only: Britain told us to. No, really. As a British colony up until we became a federation in 1901, Australia readily adopted left-hand traffic, no doubt because it made both cultural and economic sense to do so.
Is it hard to drive in the UK?
Itâs not the hardest adjustment to make and if youâre focused then youâre going to be just fine driving in the UK. However, some roads are harder than others and when faced with cyclists, pedestrians, and traffic, your instincts get a little twisted due to being on the left side of the road.
Does China drive on left?
However, mainland China drives on the right-hand side of the road while Hong Kong is a left-hand drive city. When a mainland driver crosses into Hong Kong, he is likely to sometimes mistakenly end up on the wrong side of the road, and vice versa.
Why do France drive on the right?
As the story goes, the aristocracy in France used to drive on the left side, forcing the peasants over to the right, but after the French Revolution, aristocrats moved to the right to blend in.