Why did they start driving on the left?

The practice is believed to date back to ancient Rome. Romans steered their carts and chariots with the left hand, to free up the right so they could use weapons to defend against enemy attacks. This carried over into medieval Europe and in 1773, the British government passed measures to make left-hand traffic the law.

Why does the British drive on the left side of the road?

Have you ever wondered why the British drive on the left? There is an historical reason for this; it’s all to do with keeping your sword hand free! Most people are right-handed, so if a stranger passed by on the right of you, your right hand would be free to use your sword if required.

Why do the British drive on the left on the road?

The real reason for the British driving on the left is that the French drive on the right! Of course the other reason is that in 1939/1940 Britain was not invaded, Czechoslovakia and Holland drove on the left but were forced to change, they never bothered to change back in 1945. It is interesting to note that in Indonesia, an ex Dutch colony,…

How many countries drive on the left side of the road?

When the Highways Act of 1835 came into force, road users were legally bound to the left side of the road, and it has remained that way ever since. A total of 75 countries still drive on the left. Most are former British colonies or part of the Commonwealth.

Why do Americans drive on the right side of the road?

America has been driving on the right side of the road since colonial times, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s research, likely both as a rejection of British customs and because it made it easier to control a wagon.

When did driving on the left become the law?

This rule was incorporated into the Highway Act of 1835 and was adopted throughout the British Empire. There was a movement in the 20th century towards the harmonisation of road laws in Europe and a gradual shift began from driving on the left to the right.