Why Americans and Brits Choose Different Road Sides to Drive
August 14, 2023
source: Lunamarina/Dreamstime.com
Have you ever pondered the curious fact that Americans and Brits drive on opposite sides of the road? It’s one of those quirky differences that can leave you scratching your head. While the United Kingdom and a good chunk of the world stick to the left side of the road, Americans and others opt for the right. So, what’s the deal behind this seemingly perplexing divide? Let’s delve into the sensible reasons that shaped this peculiar phenomenon.
Back in the day, the notion of road travel was quite different from what we’re familiar with today. Picture a world of horse-drawn carriages and medieval swordsmen mounted on horseback. In those times, it made practical sense to travel on the left side of the road. Why, you ask? Well, for the horse-riding knights of yore, it allowed them to wield their swords more effectively, with their dominant right arms positioned towards their opponents. And for those who happened to be southpaws in the midst of battle, well, they just had to make do.
Moreover, mounting and dismounting a horse were simpler and safer from the left side, right by the roadside. This was in stark contrast to the dangerous center of the road. It’s intriguing to contemplate why this convention eventually shifted.
Fast forward to the late 1700s, a time of significant change in the world of transportation. Large wagons, hauled by multiple pairs of horses, became the norm for transporting farm goods in France and the United States. As these wagons lacked an internal driver’s seat, the driver would perch on the rear left horse. With his right arm free to wield a whip and keep the horses in motion, he found it more convenient to keep to the right side of the road, allowing other wagons to pass him on the left.
Across the English Channel, the British Government clung steadfastly to its left-hand driving tradition. In 1773, they enacted the General Highways Act, advocating for driving on the left side. This was later solidified through The Highway Act of 1835. Meanwhile, under Napoleon’s leadership, post-revolutionary France made a decisive shift to the right side of the road, even as the British held onto their left-leaning ways.
As history unfolded, the British and the French held sway over vast territories through colonization. To streamline their dominion, they propagated their driving customs in the countries they occupied. This explains why former British colonies like Australia, New Zealand, and India still steer on the left, while former French territories such as Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Senegal adhere to the right side.
Enter Henry Ford and his revolutionary Model T in 1908. With its driver’s seat positioned on the left side, this innovative design heralded a new era. For the convenience of passengers exiting onto the curb, countries like Canada, Italy, and Spain transitioned to right-side driving in the 1920s. Much of Eastern Europe followed suit in the 1930s, and even Sweden joined the right-side brigade in 1967, fueled by substantial government investment.
Yet, amidst this global transition, one stalwart nation remained steadfastly on the left: the United Kingdom. The British commitment to left-side driving remains unwavering, defying the tides of change that have swept through other nations. With a history deeply intertwined with this distinct driving preference, it’s unlikely that the Brits will be swayed to switch anytime soon.
Exploring the mystery of different road rules, we’ve uncovered the fascinating journey that brought us here. As you drive on roads, no matter left or right, think about the history woven into these everyday decisions.
