I was thinking about… Right or Left? The Historical Journey of Road Rules
By Andy Lee
Ever been caught in a reverie on a lazy Tuesday, thinking about the oddities of life? Well, today, we’re diving headfirst into one such oddity that’s crossed my mind more than once: why do Americans drive on the right side of the road while the Brits drive on the left? If it seems like a random curiosity, that’s because it sort of is – but as with many such curiosities, there’s a fascinating history behind it.
The thing is this isn’t just a question of America versus Britain. Roughly two-thirds of the world’s population drives on the right, leaving the other third to claim the left. If you’re wondering why this division exists, you’re in for a treat. Let’s jump into the time machine and go back a few centuries.
Our journey starts in the Middle Ages when swords and horses were the order of the day. Now, most people, then and now, are right-handed. If you were a knight galloping about on your horse, you’d want your right arm free to swing your sword at any oncoming enemies. Your enemies, naturally, would be to your right. This made it logical to ride on the left side of the road, keeping your sword-arm facing the potential danger. This tradition stuck around in the UK even when horsepower became less literal.
Now, take a sharp right turn (pun intended), and let’s find out why the Americans chose the other side. In late 18th century America, large freight wagons pulled by multiple horses were common. These wagons didn’t have a driver’s seat. The wagon driver often sat on the left rear horse; their right hand free to whip the team. If you’re sitting on the left, it’s easier to gauge oncoming traffic on the right side of the road. Thus, right-side driving became the norm in America, formalized into law starting with Pennsylvania.
Flash forward to today, and aren’t we glad that our commute involves comfortable driver’s seats and not horse whipping? However, the origins of our driving habits are a great reminder of how traditions and practical considerations can shape the norms we live by every day.
Of course, the world isn’t neatly divided into right side and left side driving countries. Around 35% of the world, including the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and India, drive on the left side. And as for why there’s no global consensus on which side of the road to drive on? Well, it’s a tangled web of history, colonization, and even ancient road design.
Some suggest the influence of the British Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries played a role in establishing left side driving in many parts of the world. In contrast, others believe it can be traced back to the Roman Empire’s road designs, where roads were made wide enough for two chariots and had a raised curb on the left for safe passage.
In any case, the reasons are complex and there’s no single answer. The history behind why we drive on the right or left side of the road, as it turns out, is just as complicated and intriguing as the question itself.
So, there you have it, the next time you’re behind the wheel or navigating a busy street, remember the centuries of history that led us to our driving habits. If you’re crossing international borders, keep left in the UK, and right in the U.S. Simple enough, right?
I hope you enjoyed this journey into the quirky origins of traffic norms. Stay curious and keep pondering those everyday oddities that make our world such an interesting place. You never know what surprising stories you’ll uncover.
Safe driving, everyone!
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