While most countries drive on the right, some countries have had the rule of driving on the left side of the road for many years. Curious about the explanation behind it?
While in most countries around the world they drive on the right, in the UK, India, Australia and Japan, driving on the left is anchored. In each of the countries, specific factors contributed to this. Check which one.
United kingdom
When you think of driving on the left, you almost certainly first think of United kingdom. Their preference for the left goes back to the Middle Ages. During the time of knights and jousting, many people were right-handed. To gain an advantage in battle, knights rode on the left side of the road, leaving their right hand (dominant for most) free and ready to wield their sword.
This practice was eventually transferred to driving on the left. In 1756, a law was passed in Great Britain that officially required people to drive on the left. Since then, it has become a deep-rooted tradition that is unlikely to change.
Photo: Unsplash/Erik AdairAustralia
Australia was a British colony and inherited the tradition of driving on the left. The practice has its roots in British influence during colonization. In 1837, Australia's first traffic law formalized driving on the left.
Japan
Japan has a unique history of driving on the left. During the Edo period (1603-1868), samurai carried their swords on the left side, so they also rode on the left, which gave them easier access to weapons. In the 19th century, Japan established a strong relationship with the United Kingdom, and the British helped Japan establish an industrialized transport system, including a complex railway network based on "left traffic". This cemented the British tradition of driving on the left in Japanese society.
Photo: Unsplash/Corey SerraviteIndia
Indian driving on the left can also be attributed to British colonial influence. The practice was introduced during British rule to harmonize with the UK's driving tradition. Even after independence in 1947, the practice remained present in India.
Sweden
Sweden switched from driving on the left to driving on the right in 1967, a decision that became known as Dagen H (H Day). The move aims to improve road safety and bring Sweden in line with neighboring countries that drive on the right. On the day of the change, traffic was prohibited at night, so that the cars could drive to the correct side in the morning. A large-scale campaign was carried out, but the inevitable traffic accidents with mostly minor consequences followed, the number of which only equaled the number before the change of sides in 1969.
