Have you ever wondered why some countries drive on the left side while others drive on the right? Though it might seem unintentional, in reality, there is a reason and an entire history behind it. Keep your finger scrolling to learn why England drives on the left and other European countries on the right side.
Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary, that’s what gets you.JEREMY CLARKSON
England: Driving on the Left
Dating back to ancient times, soldiers and merchants used to keep to the left whenever travelling by wagon or a cart. According to archaeologists, there has been proven evidence that the Romans used to drive on the left as the Roman soldiers would march on the left side. Back in 1300 AD, it was ruled that all the travellers making their way to Rome would be driving on the left side.
Since it became a rule, every person in Rome and the travellers there were forced to drive on the right side of the road. Some also say that it is due to the ancient people keeping their right hand free to use their swords if an enemy passes by.
Europe: Driving on the Right
Until the 1700s, when the transportation of goods by large wagons became popular, a rule of keeping to the right never existed. The first law of staying on the right side of the road for larger wagons was passed in 1792 in France. The law was then later enforced in all of the France territories that the drivers were to keep on the right side since Romans obtained the left side.
In order to reduce the collision of vehicles, the law was passed in the 18th century that the people of England were to drive on the left side of the road, and the people of other European countries were to stay on the right side of the road.
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