Why do we drive on the left?

Roy · 19-04-2004, 09:54

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?

Tealeaf · 19-04-2004, 10:15

..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.

Caz · 19-04-2004, 11:32

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

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

Tealeaf · 19-04-2004, 12:11

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.....

AccyStanFan · 19-04-2004, 15:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf

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.....

makes sense

simon · 19-04-2004, 15:36

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

Less · 19-04-2004, 18:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon

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

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

ShortStuff · 19-04-2004, 20:52

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

WINGY · 19-04-2004, 21:12

I'ts actually much easier on th right!

K.S.H · 20-04-2004, 08:08

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?

K.S.H · 20-04-2004, 08:15

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

Weary Tourist · 20-04-2004, 08:17

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

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

Jo · 20-04-2004, 08:38

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!!

ShortStuff · 20-04-2004, 18:32

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

Less · 20-04-2004, 19:31

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!!!!