2006-07-10 22:04:47 · 11 answers · asked by kssunner 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Commuting
they drive on the wrong side of the road.
2006-07-10 22:08:53 · answer #1 · answered by Whatever 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people are right-handed.
In centuries gone by, people travelling by road travelled on the left side of the road, so that anyone approaching them was on their right - which meant they could defend themselves more easily using their sword, should they need to.
For centuries all road traffic across Europe (and also Japan) followed this trend.
However, when Napoleon came to power in France he insisted his armies travelled on the left side of the road.
As Napoleon never invaded the UK or Ireland, the people there stuck with tradition. In mainland Europe, Napoleon's new rule became the new tradition.
When cars first appeared, most countries followed the traditions already estblished.
Some countries have changed which side of the road they drive on - Canada (I think) and Sweden.
Other countries have adopted the traditions of their neighbours, or of their rulers - hence South Africa, Kenya, India, Australia and New Zealand all follow the UK system, northern African countries follow the French system.
2006-07-11 07:25:20 · answer #2 · answered by Neil 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I you mean the UK, then we drive on the left hand side of the road, not because we are different, but because we are right. We drive on the traditionally correct side of the road. Back when it was horse drawn carriage, you travelled on the left hand side of the path. This meant that your left hand took the reigns, and your right hand (sword arm) was free to handle a weapon (If highwaymen attacked). We've been driving on the left ever since, and we are the right ones. The other nations drive on the right just to be different.
2006-07-11 05:12:10 · answer #3 · answered by genghis41f 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We follow the British rules hence. You can drive in UK using a valid Indian Licence. Left hand drive was introduced by America as they like to be different and since most of europe was flooded with american cars pre world war - they all adapted LHD.
2006-07-11 05:13:46 · answer #4 · answered by Navin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We, who? The only European country that has left hand drive is the UK! (They've always liked to do things differently ;))
2006-07-11 05:12:31 · answer #5 · answered by Atomin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have driven on both right and left hand drive system and personally, I think that the right hand drive system is easier and better.
2006-07-11 05:09:02 · answer #6 · answered by Peter T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It goes back to roman times when soldiers used to walk on the left hand side of the road so that they would have their sword hand available to attack people coming towards them, we carried on this practice as pedestrians, cyclists and car users
2006-07-11 05:31:43 · answer #7 · answered by Nimbus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we don't have the euro either do we!
britain is just fussy!
we always have to be different!
australia is the same sid eas us tho!
thats coz its full of our criminals!
2006-07-11 05:10:00 · answer #8 · answered by Layla P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Er depends what country you're in??
2006-07-11 05:08:05 · answer #9 · answered by tomalak_geretkal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats because the English think they need to be different from the rest.... and they are, being islanders & such... *grin*
2006-07-11 05:47:51 · answer #10 · answered by Blind Wing 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋