Why do cars drive on different sides of the road in different countries?

The practice is believed to date back to ancient Rome. Romans steered their carts and chariots with the left hand, to free up the right so they could use weapons to defend against enemy attacks. This carried over into medieval Europe and in 1773, the British government passed measures to make left-hand traffic the law.

How do countries decide which side of the road to drive on?

It depends on who you ask. About 75\% of the world drives on the right side of the road. Once traffic regulation laws started becoming more common, most countries chose right-hand driving, while in 1835, Britain and its colonies made left handed driving mandatory.

What countries drive on the opposite side of the car?

Most areas of the world which were formerly British colonies still drive on the left hand side of the road including Australia, the Caribbean, India and South Africa. Japan also drives on the left. Europe generally drives on the right hand side apart from Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom.

Why Driving on the left is better?

Microgrids – the future of energy management There’s a reason for this. Most people are right-handed, so by driving on the left, that’d place their stronger hand in the best position to greet those coming the other way, or whack them with a sword, as seemed most appropriate.

Why do American cars drive on the right?

Drivers tended to sit on the right so they could ensure their buggy, wagon, or other vehicle didn’t run into a roadside ditch. Thus, most American cars produced before 1910 were made with right-side driver seating, although intended for right-side driving.

Why do cars drive on the left in England?

As most people are right-handed, the driver would sit to the right of the seat so his whip hand was free. Traffic congestion in 18th century London led to a law being passed to make all traffic on London Bridge keep to the left in order to reduce collisions. Today, only 35\% of countries drive on the left.

Why does England drive on the left side of the road?

Have you ever wondered why the British drive on the left? There is an historical reason for this; it’s all to do with keeping your sword hand free! Most people are right-handed, so if a stranger passed by on the right of you, your right hand would be free to use your sword if required.

How to drive across borders in Europe by car?

The key to successful border crossings in Europe by car is research and preparation. You will face a hard border crossing when entering/leaving Schengen or crossing the border between non-Schengen countries. Read on to find out exactly what you need to when driving across borders in Europe.

Why do countries cross the road on opposite sides?

Where neighbouring countries drive on opposite sides of the road, drivers from one to the other must change sides when crossing the border. Therefore, to help the drivers easily cross over without feeling a sudden change, various types of roads are constructed. Around the world there are more than 15 changing sides at borders.

Which side of the road do most people drive on?

Some countries in Africa, Asia and South America have land borders where drivers must change to the other side of the road. 66\% of the world’s population lives in countries that drive on the right side of the road while the remaining 34\% live in countries that drive on the left side.

What do I need to know about crossing a border?

Make sure you have cash with you for all border crossings! The first thing to understand is that in the Schengen Area you can cross borders with no restriction or hard border. This area includes 26 European countries that allow the free unrestricted movement of people. All of the EU countries except the UK and Ireland are in Schengen.