Why do we drive on the left?
 

Just been asked by my Russian friend alexey, why is it that in the UK we drive on the left.. obviously I replied with "Probably because the French drove on the right and we don't like them so did it different", but he was actually asking a serious question! Which got me thinking... why do we drive on the left? What was it in history and at what time, did we decide that the left was for us?

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

..Because your sword arm is normally your right arm. If, 500 years ago, you were riding your horse along Hyndburn Road and you saw someone like Wingy coming towards you on his horse, you made sure you passed on the left, holding the horses reins in your left hand and with your right hand resting on your scabbard, ready to draw and use should their be any nonsense from the approaching horseman.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

...and france changed to the right cos Napolean was left handed.

This and other info here.
http://www.2pass.co.uk/goodluck.htm

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Thirty years ago, Nigeria changed from driving on the left to driving on the right. They phased it in. On a monday, all private cars switched to driving on the right...the following wednesday, all lorries & buses switched to driving on the right.....

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

makes sense :)

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Tealeaf are you a font of knolwedge or just good at telling storys????

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

he is the font of ALL knowledge no doubt about it.

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We drive on the left cos it's silly to drive on the right!

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I'ts actually much easier on th right!

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We have to drive on the left cause other cars are coming towards you on the other side!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriosly though, i dont know but why do they drive on the right in Russia? did you ask your friend that?

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Just found this site http://www.i18nguy.com/driver-side.html
or as Tealeaf said, see http://www.2pass.co.uk/goodluck.htm

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

I will go with this site, no questions asked eh ?
I am sure it's all right...

http://www.brianlucas.ca/roadside/#TheRuleOfTheRoad

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Tealeaf is right - this is the historical reason as far as I know. Well done Tealeaf! there is also a reason why they changed to the right in Europe, but I don't remember. In any case, I like Cazzer's idea that Napoleon was left-handed!!

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Well you all answered Roy's question pretty quick - but Wingy why do you think it is easier to drive on the right???

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many years ago I had a left hand drive ford transit that I used for work in this country, you should have seen the expressions on peoples faces as what appeared to be the driver was coming towards you reading a news-paper!!!!

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

In fact thinking about it, Roy was about five then so just think of their expressions as a child is driving it towards them!!!!!!!!

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The real reason, you can bet that what ever side we would drive on the French would do the opposite.....:)

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I'm not sure , but each time i drive in europe i have no problems. But when i come home if theres no traffic i find myself on the wrong side of the road! Driving on the left just seems natural..

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Oh dear - hope I'm not driving the opposite way when your about!

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

in jousting you pass with your opponent on your left i.e. driving on the right so i dont think the horse theory is right. In Sweden in the 60's they changed sides as well. Everybody had to be off the road by 12pm on the day they changed and two hours later they were allowed back on but on the right hand side of the road. Could you imagine if we did that now. We're not alone though, there's Japan and Australia and others i'm sure.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

In jousting yes, but the earlier posts referred to swords and just normal travel.
The fact that Napolean was left handed is supposed to be the reason the French drive on the right.
:)
Check this link
http://www.2pass.co.uk/goodluck.htm

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Well when in England with our german car i have had a few drivers giving out to the wife why she drives like a mad man.Thought it was funny.but God did i get in the neck of the wife after it happenned for the 4th time.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Just how many countries do drive on the left? I know there's Australia, Japan and the last time I was in Cyprus it was the same there. I don't know any others though. I Also remember Sweeden changing over in the 60's. That would be an absolute nightmare. How the heck would they go about changing traffic lights, all the 'keep left' bollards, stop and slow sings, various signs painted on the road itself and directional signposts. Also, it is very difficult driving vehicles that are the wrong "hand," especially when it comes to overtaking. I wonder if that changeover in Sweeden caused a lot of accidents.:blush8: :stop:

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

It's about 55...you missed out India (the largest democracy - sort of - in the world), the colonies (Falklands, Gib, etc), most of the West Indies, New Zealand, ex-colonies in Africa and the Pacific...

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Thailand drive on the left (and quite badly if I may say so)

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Whys that, do you think?

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

I never once saw a Thai indicate to change lanes or turn, they just cut in front of each other. The roads in Bangkok are so congested, but everybody is trying to get from A to B in the quickest possible time, so they are constantly speeding up then slamming on their brakes as someone cuts in without indicating. I saw one fella in a van cut across 4 lanes of traffic in order to park on the pavement causing near misses with several other vehicles.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

I saw something similar happen...the driver was drunk.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

There was a programme called Routemasters on Radio 4 this week about white line painters. They gave the impression that Americans started driving on the right after a female doctor started painting lines down the middle of the road after she was becoming fed up with treating casualties after cars hit each other because there weren't any rules about which side to use. You can hear it again from http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/progs/listenagain.shtml#r.

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Over here you have to watch the ones that drive on the same side as you

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

because it's the right side of the road to drive on

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Once watched a Top Gear type programme and there was a feature on driving in India. This, literally, is what the driving test is - get in car, start car, set off, drive straight for 50 yrds, turn left (45degree turn), stop car.

I find it scary that nationals from other countries are allowed to drive in the UK on a license acquired by passing such weak criteria!!!!!

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Ceejache they had the same problem in Germany.Now all criteria from different countries have been checked out e.g. India , Pakistan.U.S.A. and Canada but to mention a few all are allowed to drive here for a max of 12 months and have to be over 21 years of age.Then they have to take a German national liscence or walk

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Cheers Mik...we should have something like that in place in the UK, then again many people who do hold a UK license cant drive either...!!!!

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

In New Zealand you also have to take the national test after about 12 months. Their road rules vary a bit from ours, but it's easy enough to learn them. I had no problem with the driving over there (once you get used to the country roads being littered with dead possum)...

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

They must be lousy drivers killing all these animals on the roads....did you kill any while you were there?

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Not that I'm aware of Tealeaf. Possum come out onto the roads at night, they are small and not easy to see. Plus they are vermin, so nobody really gives a toss.... :)

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

You think they got a death wish? I'm surprised you've not written about this in the earlier accounts of your trip. It would make a nice chapter "Lettie & the suicidal possum attack..."

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Here in Moscow we are supposed to take the national test after 6 months. But we just leave the country and get fresh stamps and say we have only just started driving in Russia. A lot of the people here 'purchase' their license, they don't even have to get into a car, which is proably better than the alternative... Learner drivers here start on go-kart tracks in a lada, I'm not joking and will try to get a photo one day when I'm going past the track!!

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

That sounds like a script for an advertisement

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Here in the USA one has six months to take the driving test. It is much easier than ours. You answer about twenty questions and have to get sixteen of them right I think it is. Then you take an eye test, wearing your glasses, of course, if you use them. (Your licence then says you have to wear glasses to drive.) The practical test lasts about 5 minutes and consists of driving the car out of the testing station parking lot. Driving about half a mile to a quiet road, stopping and backing up about 20 yds. keeping parrallel with the kerb, doing a three point turn, returning to the parking lot and parking in an alloted space. That's it. Easy peasy.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

..and in some states you can do that at 14, if I'm right. No wonder you can't have a drink till you're 21!

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Have to say I thought it was 16 throughout the country but I may be wrong, it would not be the first, or last, time.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Whats that - drinking or driving? I always thought the laws were state, rather than federal...I think there's one state left where you can drink at 18 (dunno which)...but I think I'm also right in saying you can get married at 14 in some states.

Seems odd to me...you can sign up and have your b*lls shot off in Iraq at 19, but when you get back and get out of hospital you got to wait 2 years before you can go and tell your mates all about it over a pint or six.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Now then John W that is exactly the reason that the German Government said you have to take a new test

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Said who has to take a new test, Americans?

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Aye America´ns and North americans have to retake their liscence over here

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

In Arizona we got David a new drivers license and it is good till he turns 60 (24 years from now)

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Angel 04.first off unlucky eh? Celtic won it all.Secondlybecause of the american driving liscence being so easy to obtain i think you will find that it is only accepted in a few foreign countries.After residing in most European countries then somebody with an American Liscence will be required to retake an exam in that country

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Hehe - the funniest thing about americans and driving in foreign countries is the look on their face when they hire a car and then see a gear stick!! Americans and manual gearboxes don't seem to go to well together.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

No only that Roy, but they just toddle along on the roads as well.They have all them big cars with V8 engines and are only allowed to drive 55 mile an hour.No way long live the Autobahns

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

You're a little out of date there Mik. Most Interstates have 70 mph limits over most of their length these days, just like the British motorways.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

The problem with the Autobahns is they only go in two directions - towards France or towards Poland.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Geography lessons needed T.Austria, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium and Chezkoslovakia

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

History lesson needed, Mik. They never invaded Switzerland.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Surely any road only goes in two directions anyway - where you have been and where you are going to!

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Soon it will be illegal to drive on the left in the UK, such as is flying the flag. This is because it causes offence to some groups who move here........hee hee

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

T. they wanted to but the banks in Switzerland would not finance them for it`?????

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Nice 1 Neal
its a question that has puzzled wise men over the ages and sum things are best left unknown

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

We drive on the left because otherwise the Left Car tyre & tracking alignment companies would be out of buisness through all those left side tyres not needing replacing or the tracking not needing re-adjusting when we no longer hit the kerb.

Of course they could always setup in buisness doing right hand side tyres instead :D

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

If you are not driving on the right side then you must be driving on the wrong side or is that a wrong conclusion

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

In Accrington they park on the left and right sides so they must therefor drive in the middle

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

This afternoon on Blackburn Road a guy reversed into the main road on the wrong side of the road. That just about takes the biscuit.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

If he had reversed into the right side of the road would that have been the left side

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

;) He was on the right side which was the wrong side and he was going backwards facing the traffic coming forwards but at least they were all going in the same direction which is something I suppose.:D

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

If the left side is the right side and the right side is the wrong side then the wrong side must be suicide

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Was that your right or his right and who has the right to be right in that case

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

To bring a little sanity into this discussion before it descends into total gobbledegook, and to answer the question:
Napoleon has a lot to answer for. Until he came to power everyone drove (and walked) on the left because most people were right handed and they wanted to face oncoming danger with their sword arm at the ready. You never knew where the footpads and highwaymen were lurking.
If you watch a jousting competition on film, you will see that they are "driving on the left" - attacking with their lance in their right hand.
But because Napoleon was left-handed, and because he wanted to make his mark on society, he decreed that traffic would drive on the right. Of course, in those days it was not such a big deal to change over, because they did not have all our traffic signs, traffic lights, etc. Nowadays it would cost billions of pounds for us to change. So in spite of the pressure from Europe it is very unlikely that we shall be driving on the right in the near future!

So there...

Tricia

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

The sanity was already there - amongst the "gobbledygook" :)

http://www.i18nguy.com/driver-side.html


................

So there :) :)

to the right I think!

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

If he looked anything like Wingy did the other Saturday night at the Stag I would pass him on the right or the left! :D

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

In answer to an earlier post, we do have the system here where you can drive for a year on a foreign licence, but after that you have to take a driving test. Having read all this, it's hardly surprising that so many people fail!

One word of warning if anyone goes to Malta. In the UK we drive on the left. In Europe they drive on the right. In Malta, they drive IN THE SHADE!! - be warned!

Seriously, it is not before time that we are getting driving licences with photographs. A policeman I know in Hampstead told me once that he had had five different people trying to present "their" driving licence - just one licence between five.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

In 1963 the Sweedish changed over, they had a day "Dagen H" Right hand traffic day, starting at 5am where NO ONE between 1am and 6am except emergency services, and real emergencys at that, could drive on the road. Longer in some cities...

They had all the signs and junctions altered and they went about in force unmasking the signs and making the new layouts active.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

In Saigon they drive on all sides of the roads.........
as you can see here..........:eek:

YouTube - Saigon Traffic

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

How about the blind guy (and I mean blind - not just visually impaired - he had no eyes!) who was arrested recently for "dangerous driving". It's a wonder he was driving on the road, let alone on the correct side!

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

How do they do that?!?

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Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Pick your spot - close your eyes and go for it!! :D

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Women drivers!

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

Good grief! I'd hate to live in Saigon!

I just came across this old post of mine in this thread and even I don't understand it! :D

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

he was reversing(going backwards) and was therfore facing(looking at) the traffic coming forward(following him) on the wrong side of the road, or the rightHAND side of the road.
Makes perfect sense to me. but then madhatter is used to gibberish talk.

Re: Why do we drive on the left?
 

wingy is that the right statement you have made!!!! ir maybe it should be right in place of left?????


pmsl willow at the picture of the car

acertun you made a few valid points (but had tears running by then) LOL