Why do we drive on the left? - Page 2

Less · 20-04-2004, 19:33

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

Bazf · 20-04-2004, 21:39

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

WINGY · 20-04-2004, 21:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShortStuff

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

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..

ShortStuff · 21-04-2004, 20:05

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

Adamski · 08-05-2004, 00:45

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.

Caz · 08-05-2004, 07:31

Quote:

in jousting you pass with your opponent on your 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

Mik Dickinson · 23-05-2004, 14:50

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.

thejokerman · 23-05-2004, 16:47

Why do the English drive on the left?

In the Middle Ages you kept to the left for the simple reason that you never knew who you'd meet on the road in those days. You wanted to make sure that a stranger passed on the right so you could go for your sword in case he proved unfriendly.

This custom was given official sanction in 1300 AD, when Pope Boniface VIII invented the modern science of traffic control by declaring that pilgrims headed to Rome should keep left.

JohnW · 24-05-2004, 10:57

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.

Tealeaf · 24-05-2004, 13:12

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...

lettie · 24-05-2004, 15:36

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

Tealeaf · 24-05-2004, 15:42

Whys that, do you think?

lettie · 24-05-2004, 15:57

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.

Tealeaf · 24-05-2004, 16:03

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

MikeA · 30-05-2004, 13:44

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.