I'm curious as to what the history is
2006-06-21 10:39:48 · 17 answers · asked by answers_anyone 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
"The origin of this rule of the road dates back to how people travelled in violent feudal societies. As most people are right handed it made sense to carry or use any protective weapon, such as a sword or dagger, with this hand. When passing a stranger on the road, it would be safer to walk on the left, so ensuring that your weapon was between yourself and a possible opponent."
"Revolutionary France was to overturn this historic practice. Their military general and self proclaimed Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, was left-handed. Therefore his armies had to march on the right, so that he could keep his sword arm between himself and any advancing enemy."
"Why do some countries drive on the right
and others on the left ?
Why do the English drive on the "wrong" side of the road ?
Road markings or Why we drive on the Left
2006-06-21 10:54:05 · answer #1 · answered by alpha 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Approximately one quarter to one third of the world's traffic goes on the left-hand side of the road. Some claim that this practice arose from the prevalence of right-handedness, although such prevalence occurs in virtually all populations, regardless of which side of the road is used. In any case, the need to be ready for self-defence on rural roads inclined most horse-riders to keep to their left when encountering oncoming wayfarers, so as to be able to deploy a sword or other hand-weapon more swiftly and effectively should the need arise. Also, those on foot and in charge of horse-drawn vehicles would more usually hold the animals' heads with their right hand, and thus walk along the left hand side of the road.
2006-06-21 17:48:37 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think using the right was made standard throughout Europe during the reign of the Roman Empire. They built roads everywhere, and had a standard 'side' to keep the carts and chariots running smoothly.
Some time after that someone in power in England decided to change everything to the left, I think it was as a way of sticking two fingers up at Europe.
Rumours that said 'someone' was Kilroy Silk are thought to be false. Then again nobody's really sure how old that guy is...
2006-06-21 17:47:01 · answer #3 · answered by Wax Crayon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It stems from the days when the british were horsemen/swordsmen.
Generally,most were "right" handed and held swords accordingly.
It was prudent for them to ride on the left side - which in turn was the "RIGHT" side - of an approaching opponent --- therby giving the chance to deliver blows using the right hand.
etc etc....
2006-06-22 09:29:18 · answer #4 · answered by Basil P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've also heard the story of driving on the let so as to have your right hand available to use your weapon against oncoming travellers. I have also heard that driving on the right allows you to show approaching travellers that you are not going to attack them.
If this is true I guess it says something about the various countries.
2006-06-21 17:55:16 · answer #5 · answered by migelito 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'Ah, hate to break this to you, but "the English" ARE "Europeans." '
Ah, hate to break this to you, but technically, they aren't...
Other interesting spots that drive on the left: South Africa and Thailand
Regarding the Thai Lao Friendship Bridge: "Traffic on the bridge drives on the left, as it does in Thailand, while traffic in Laos drives on the right. The changeover is controlled by traffic lights at the Lao end."
2006-06-21 21:15:12 · answer #6 · answered by juliatn1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In ancient times people in britain use to ride horses and used to whip them.so most people held the whip in their right hand. since they used their right hand to whip ,it was easy for them to ride on the left of the road.the same was followed even when horses were replaced by vehicles becuase people are used to it.
many countries that were in dislike or not in line with british have adopted the reverse that is right side driving. hence the difference!
2006-06-21 17:45:45 · answer #7 · answered by chris 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it goes back to the horse,because you mount on the left you are on the inner side ,so less chance of getting hit as you mount from on coming riders,in fact going back to roman times they kept to the left,the europeans like the americans just had to be different,
2006-06-21 17:50:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Australians do too, but that might be because we took the right way to drive with us when we invaded that country!
2006-06-21 17:46:37 · answer #9 · answered by peanut1973 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Australians and Japanese drive on the left too.
2006-06-21 21:42:42 · answer #10 · answered by mcjc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋