2007-01-29 04:59:45 · 7 answers · asked by Chev Chelios 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
The Roman Chariot theory is the most widely accepted answer. Many countries like Australia, Britain, Japan, Hong Kong, and others drive on the left because it would be extremely expensive to change. Probably the most recent was Sweden. It was virtually the only country in continental Europe still driving on the left (but typically in cars designed to drive on the right) until the early 1970's when they changed over to the right. It was quite a project - all on and off ramps had to be reversed, all highway signs had to be replaced or relocated, all buses had to have the doors put on the other side of the bus.
When preparations were complete, the actual change over came at midnight. All vehicles had to stop and blow their horn, then carefully cross to the other side of the road and continue on!
When automobiles were first introduced in the USA they originally drove on the left.
2007-01-29 06:45:58 · answer #1 · answered by Gordon B 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The UK and the former British colonies such as India, Australia, New Zealand etc all drive on the left side.
This originates from the Roman times when extensive road systems were built throughout the Roman empire (including Britain). The Romans always passed each other on their right side. In medievel times the same pricipal was used for defense strategies. Most people are right handed, so they carried their weapons in their right hands. For example; In jousting, riders would ride on the left side of the barrier and pass on their right side using the right hand for holding the jousting stick.
Medievel castles also had handrails installed in their spiral staircases on the left hand side. This allowed the castle defenders to grip a handrail with their left hand while weilding their sword with their right.
As usual we Americans want to do things our own way, and we had to be different to the British.
Nowadays, in relation to driving, it is easier driving on the left to flip someone the bird with the right hand while driving with your left hand on the steering wheel!!!!
2007-01-29 06:09:17 · answer #2 · answered by EssDee 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We already do, even as were over taking t'different automobiles worry is the dummies ignore to bypass lower back to the left hand area and that makes it extremely thrilling. Years in the past even as automobiles got here in to ports from in yet another usa with occupants occurring vacation journeys, as they left the ports there have been no dedicated go out lanes / roads marked out so as that they could come out of the docks on the right hand area of the line and reason entire caos. we've continually been 'lefties' and it is under no circumstances going to modify.
2016-10-16 06:28:00 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's the side of the road they chose to drive on. Japan, Hong Kong, India, the Carribean Islands, and several other countries also drive on the left side of the road.
2007-01-29 05:08:09 · answer #4 · answered by Peter S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because otherwise you'd drive head on into traffic coming the other way.
2007-01-29 05:04:29 · answer #5 · answered by Slappy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
to advoid on comming traffic
2007-01-29 05:05:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
BECAUSE THEIR BRITISH!!
2007-01-29 05:07:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋