Left vs Right hand driving: 5 historical reasons behind global traffic rules

Ever imagined why some countries follow left-hand driving and some right hand? If you’ve ever travelled abroad and rented a car, you probably have seen the confusion and following countries' traffic rules. With over 195 countries in the world, there are 65 countries and territories, including the UK and India, that follow left-hand driving. If you are someone who also wonders the reason behind this, then here are five historical reasons:Sword fights and knights: Now this is interesting! The origins of left-side travel are extremely old. In Europe, knights and horsemen used to walk on the left side of the road as it allowed them to keep their sword hand free. Soon carriages were introduced as a popular means of transport which also used this left-hand driving habit. An old habit which still continues. Napoleon’s Right-Hand Rule: The French leader was left-handed but liked marching his armies on the right-hand side. This system spread across continental Europe as Napoleon conquered territories in the 18th and 19th centuries. When France started its right-side rule, a number of neighbouring nations also followed. In no time, much of Europe adopted right-hand driving. Colonial influence: The driving side also reflects a country’s colonial past. British colonies such as India, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand continue to drive on the left, while former French, Spanish, and Portuguese colonies typically follow the right-hand rule. This colonial legacy explains why neighboring countries can sometimes drive on opposite sides. Across Asia, there are countries heavily influenced by the US or France-adopted right-side driving. The modern age of automobile: The invention of the automobile added a new twist to the story. In the early 20th century, American carmaker Henry Ford began mass-producing the Model T, which had the steering wheel on the left. This design made it easier for passengers to get out onto the curb, encouraging right-side driving in the United States. As America became a leading car exporter, many countries aligned with the US system and switched to the right-hand side to accommodate American vehicles. Practical reasons: Finally, the practical reasons. These continue to shape the side chosen by countries to drive on. For countries that share borders with multiple neighbours, aligning driving sides helps prevent accidents and makes trade smoother. For example, Ghana switched from driving on the left to the right in 1974 to align with most of its West African neighbours. Now we hope you understand better the rule behind left and right side driving. So, next time you visit some other country, do flaunt and share your knowledge!