Whose idea was it that steering wheels should be on the left instead (or vice-versa)...or that we should be driving on the left (vice - versa) WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RULES OF THE ROAD?
2007-01-20 21:24:56 · 9 answers · asked by mickietino333@sbcglobal.net 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
People used to 'drive' on the left because they would ride a horse and offer the right hand for friendship or handshake or to fight back with weapons in case of trouble.
The US made the first switch because they would drive big carts with no driver seat and they would sit on the left horse with a whip in the right hand. The British had smaller carts and they kept staying on the left.
Check out my source.
2007-01-20 21:54:51 · answer #1 · answered by MumbaJumba 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It mostly started in cities, where there was enough concentrated traffic to require some sort of agreement.
That was long before people traveled as readily as we do now, so it didn't matter if different countries decided on different sides. The conventions were in place well before cars were invented, so the manufacturers just followed suit. Drivers are always on the side that's in the middle of the road because it allows better visibility.
Governments are responsible for deciding the rules of the road. Everyone is responsible for following them.
2007-01-20 21:55:23 · answer #2 · answered by The angels have the phone box. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it all started up at the time of Romans (most people used the sword with the right hand and kept the shield and reins with their left):
by staying on the left you had the ability to draw your sword and face a hostile opponent coming toward you in the opposite direction on your right hand. Driving on the right would have made this swordfighting and defense more difficult.
Also, staying on the left would prevent the sheat (kept on the left and very long) from hitting travellers on the opposite direction.
The requirement to travel on the left hand was introduced in Italy by Pope Bonifacius in 1300 and in England in 1773 by the "General Highway's Act"
Driving on the right was first introduced and endorsed in France with the Revolution in 1794 and with Napoleon the rule became widespread in all Europe... except in England which was never conquered by Napoleon and was also a strong opponent!
2007-01-20 22:04:13 · answer #3 · answered by Mario Roma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All countries that have cars and roads, drive on the left and right side of the road.
Anyways, I know what you mean. Mexico, United States,Brazil are the only countries that I know of that "drive on the right side of the road" and I think Canada, to.
2007-01-20 21:34:27 · answer #4 · answered by D.O... 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. I don't know the answer to it, but I have heard that the majority of countries drive on the left. I think North America is the only continent that drives on the right, but don't quote me on that.
2007-01-20 21:33:32 · answer #5 · answered by Jay S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe we Should Have A Car With the Steering Wheel in the Middle?
2015-06-08 05:41:17 · answer #6 · answered by Norman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
england, english colonies(australia) and japan drive on the left (right hand drive)
us, canada, mexico, and the rest of the world drive on the right
(steering wheel on left)
2007-01-20 21:53:49 · answer #7 · answered by brainiac 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its all depend on the road designs !
if they were designed based on American standards, the streeing wheel will be on the left BUT if they were designed according to the Europian standards, then the steering wheel is going to be on the right !
2007-01-20 21:38:35 · answer #8 · answered by drab2fab 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its just a practice
2007-01-20 21:42:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋