why do british drivers drive on the left side of the road, and americans on the right side?

Answer 1

Because people just want to be better than others. pfft.

Answer 2

I have heard two versions.
First one: In Britain, in the old days of horse-drawn carriages, the drivers were sitting on the right to use the whip to control the horses without hurting pedestrians with them. Whenever they met another carriage coming the opposite way it was more useful to turn left because they could see the horses much better. In other countries, the drivers were sitting on the left, so it was more useful for them to turn right.
Later, the same the custom was adopted for driving cars.

Another answer:
In the old days of Knights, they used to ride their horses on the left side of the paths (roads) so that their left side was protected by the undergrowth and they avoided being attacked from the left. They could defend their right side by themselves using their sword if necessary.

Answer 3

I actually know this one...kinda. It has something to do with horse carriages. In America, people were afraid of being attacked by the British in the 1700's and they alway had there swords or guns on their right leg. Usually the British would hide in the trees to attack and it was always quicker for the Americans to draw their weapon with their right hand. I hope you understand what I said...lol

Answer 4

Here is a good explanation....
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3_021b.html

More good answers...
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/texte/drive_left.htm

And the best...
http://users.pandora.be/worldstandards/driving%20on%20the%20left.htm

Answer 5

because its just what they've got used to and it would be almost impossible to change it now