0
Its not just the UK... but why not? Why to we drive on the right? It is just how things developed.
You drive on the right because the steering wheel is in the right so you can see past the vehicles in your path.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoPossibly Roman influence from when they occupied England. When mounted on horseback, two riders about to engage in a fight would adhere to the left side, enabling them to draw their sword from their right side, and also wield their sword with their right hand. It's largely believed that this became law for all types of traffic, and that left-hand traffic originated from this, although it's impossible to say for certain whether or not this is the reason.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoA tradition which dates back to the Middle Ages.
In places like the US and France, where horse-drawn carts often had to drive long distances, huge carts were used, pulled by 6-12 horses. These horses would be lined up in pairs. The driver would sit on the left rear horse and hold the whip in his right hand - that way, he could whip all the horses. When a cart came the other way, he would pass the cart on the right, so he could make sure they didn't scrape.
On the small island of Great Britain, monster-sized carts weren't needed and often 2 horses were sufficient. So the driver would sit on the cart, on the right hand side so that when he whipped the horses he didn't hit the cart by mistake. When a cart came the other way, he'd pass on the left.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIt originates from horses and carts. A driver would sit on the right hand side of the cart with a whip in his right hand. That way he could whip the horses without hitting the cart by accident. When another car passed by the other way, he would pass the cart on the left hand side, so he could make sure they didn't scrape.
When England colonised other lands, the practice continued. Many countries nowadays that drive on the left are a result of the former British Empire. The real question should perhaps be "Why do Americans drive on the right hand side of the road?" This is just one of many ways that America sought to overthrow its old British roots.
See also the related question below.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoDavid Walker
Wiki User
∙ 15y agono we drive on the left
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Which side of the road does Singapore drive on?
In Singapore, cars and other vehicles drive on the left of the road, as we do in Britain. This was due to its British past colonial history. So the steering wheel will be on the right as in vehicles in Britain. I believe that any vehicles with left -hand drive have to display a notice on the rear warning that they are a left-hand drive vehicle.
Which side of the road does a person drive on in great britain?
On the left hand side of the road.
What is the reason Indian vehicles all way fitted left side steering why because?
Because in India they drive on the left not on the right as we do in the U.S. This comes from the fact that India was a former British colony and in Great Britain they drive on the left. If you drive on the left the steering wheel will be fitted on the left.
What side of the road does Singapore drive on?
Singapore drives on the left side of the road like Britain & Japan
Why do postal man drive on right side?
I would expect postal man to drive on the side of the road the country expects all vehicles to drive on? In America, vehicles drive on the right of the road, while in Britain, we drive on the left.
Who decided in Britain to drive on the left hand side?
It wasn't as much a decision as merely a tradition that developed back in the day and has been left in place since then.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Jamaica?
Yes they do. Since Jamaica was formerly colonized by Great Britain, there road laws are bases on Britians.
Do Chinese drive on the left or the right?
They drive on the left
Do they drive to the left or to the right in Australia?
Yes, they drive on the left.
What side of the road do you drive on in Japan?
They drive on the left
Do bicyclist have to ride facing traffic?
When you cycle on the road, you cycle like a car would drive, on the left if in Britain, most other places the right side
Who finally left Britain in 407AD?
Around 407AD, the latest usurper, Constantine III, left Britain, taking the remaining elements of the army with him.
