Buzz
For visitors to the UK, one of the most confusing experiences can be crossing the street. While nearly all countries drive on the right, in Britain and many of its former colonies, traffic flows on the left. But why do the British drive on the opposite side compared to most nations?
This practice actually dates back much earlier than the automobile, according to The Telegraph. In fact, it stretches back to the Middle Ages. Back then, highways were perilous, and traveling on the left was a safety measure. Since most people were (and still are) right-handed, keeping to the left allowed them to keep their sword-hand free to defend themselves against potential attackers. Whether on foot, horseback, or in a carriage, having your weapon ready—be it a sword, lance, pitchfork, or staff—was essential for protection.
As reported by the BBC, this custom was not limited to Britain. It could even be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. Dangerous roads were a common problem, and Britain was not alone in adopting left-side travel. However, over time, changing circumstances led to the shift toward right-side driving in many places.
Notably, Napoleon was an advocate for right-side driving and imposed this practice in the territories he conquered, a trend continued by French colonists. This included Germany, and Hitler perpetuated the custom across Europe, compelling Czechoslovakia and Austria—where one half of the country drove on the left and the other on the right—to adopt right-side driving.
According to the Federal Highway Administration’s research, America has been driving on the right side of the road since colonial times, likely as a rejection of British customs and because it was more practical for controlling wagons. Drivers either sat on the left side of their wagon or led their horses from the left, making it easier to see approaching traffic when traveling on the right side. This also reduced the risk of ending up in a ditch. Pennsylvania mandated right-side driving on a new turnpike in 1792, and New York made it law in 1804. Many other states followed, but Henry Ford played a crucial role in cementing the practice by placing the Model T’s steering column on the left, and the car's widespread popularity ensured the entire industry adopted the same setup.
Although Britain has considered switching to right-side driving (as Sweden did in 1967), it’s unlikely to happen anytime soon. In 2009, Samoa became one of the few nations to switch from right-side driving to left-side driving in order to make affordable cars from Australia and New Zealand accessible there.
