To put it simply, this is a matter of habit, legislative habit. Which came out of a different habit, human. Well, why is this an Australian habit? I can explain.
Colony of England
Let's start with the fact that now Australia is still dominated by the influence of England, which has been imposing itself on the continent since the end of the 18th century. When it was an English colony - a place of imprisonment for criminals from all over Great Britain. Well, since in the kingdom itself it was customary to drive on the left side (the reason for this is difficult to indicate, there are many theories, from the convenience of combat for knights to the efficiency of transporting barrels on a cart), then in Australia, after it gained independence, the rule also remained left-hand traffic law.
England
In the kingdom itself, “where the sun never sets,” the first law on left-hand traffic was adopted back in 1756. And it only concerned the movement of carts and carats across London Bridge. If the law was not followed, the driver was fined one silver pound (as it is now, only the amount has changed). As a result, the problems on the bridge almost disappeared and thirty years later this rule became law for all roads in Great Britain, and therefore for its colonies. And as a result, in Australia (as an English colony), traffic on the left has also been legal since then.
In the world
By the way, the influence of the English Empire turned out to be very significant, since almost all of its former colonies now have left-hand traffic. And even Japan, under the influence of England, adopted a law with a similar provision. The only exception was that they wanted to separate from the Crown so much that they passed a law on right-hand traffic. To spite the British.
These were the last major changes in the ratio of left-hand drive to right-hand drive drivers. Since then, the numbers have remained almost unchanged, now it is 66%/34% of right-handed to left-handed people, respectively.
And as you can easily see on the map, the “leftists” remained in the same English colonies.
Which countries in the world drive on the left side of the road?
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Bermuda
Butane
Botswana
Brunei
Cocos Islands
Cook Islands
Cyprus
Dominica
East Timor (right-hand traffic 1928-1976)
Falkland Islands
Fiji
Grenada
Guyana
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Jamaica
Japan
Kenya
Kiribati
Lesotho
Macau
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Mauritius
Montserrat
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
New Zealand
Norfolk
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Pitcairn
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon islands
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Suriname
Swaziland
Tanzania
Thailand
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Uganda
Great Britain
British Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands
Zambia
Zimbabwe
P.S. We can be grateful to Great Britain for the fact that we drive on the left. England is located on islands, and the sea route was once the only way for its inhabitants to communicate with residents of other countries. There was always a huge concentration of ships in the ports, and they often collided. To restore order, the maritime department issued a decree, the essence of which boiled down to the rule “keep to the left.”
That is, the ships had to let oncoming ships pass on the right. Gradually, this principle began to be followed in the overland movement of carts and carriages.
And with the advent of the automobile, the well-known conservatism of the British played a role - they did not change anything in relation to automobile traffic.
Subsequently, the rule extended to all countries under British influence, including India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Japan, Thailand, Great Britain, Kenya, Nepal, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, Jamaica, Maldives, Bahamas, Cyprus.
Countries that changed the movement:
At various times, many countries adopted left-hand traffic, but due to the inconvenience associated with the fact that the neighbors of these countries had right-hand traffic, they switched to right-hand traffic. The most famous day in history was H-Day in Sweden, when the country switched from driving on the left to driving on the right.
The former British colonies in Africa Sierra Leone, Gambia, Nigeria and Ghana also changed from right-hand drive to left-hand drive due to their proximity to countries of former French colonies that drive on the right. Conversely, the former Portuguese colony of Mozambique changed from left-hand drive to right-hand drive due to its proximity to former British colonies. North Korea and South Korea switched from driving on the left to driving on the right in 1946, after the end of the Japanese occupation.
Historically, it happened that Most countries in the world have adopted the right-hand traffic rule.. But there are also a number of countries where traffic is on the left. The most ardent representatives are UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Africa and India. There is no exact data on why this happened, but there are many prerequisites that answer this question.
Thus, it is assumed that the first country in which left-hand traffic was adopted was England, since shipping was developed here and ships moved exclusively on the left. But first things first. In this article we will try to understand the rules of right-hand and left-hand traffic, describe their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the history of their occurrence.
1. History of steering wheel position
The history of traffic rules, and as a consequence the history of the steering wheel position, goes back to ancient times. Historians suggest that the Romans came across the first rules. Presumably that in 50 BC Gaius Julius Caesar created a number of rules, to whom the cab drivers, the so-called carriage drivers, had to obey.
Also, presumably in Rome there was a rule for driving on the left. This is evidenced by one of the found Roman denarius, which depicts two horsemen riding along the left side. Most likely this is due to the fact that most of the population is right-handed, including horsemen, and they were forced to hold weapons in their right hands.
When the times of knights, horsemen and carriages faded into the past, the question of traffic rules arose again, and accordingly on which side the steering wheel should be located. At the beginning of the 20th century, the first cars began to fill the streets en masse. At that time, driving on the right was adopted in most European countries. in England, Sweden and partly in Austria-Hungary- left-handed. In Italy the movement was mixed. All this did not pose a danger, since there were not many cars and their speed was minimal.
In countries with right-hand traffic, it is logical that the steering wheel was located on the right. It was believed that this would make it easier for the driver to overtake. Moreover, the right-hand steering wheel was reflected in the layout of the engine components. In order to reduce the length of the rods, the magneto was located on the right side of the engine. Over the years, the number of cars has increased, and the question of safety when overtaking has arisen. The first to produce a car with left-hand drive was the world-famous Ford corporation. In 1908, the legendary model "T".
After this, the Europeans who produced public cars also switched to “left-hand drive,” but manufacturers of high-speed brands maintained the “right-hand drive” rule. According to another assumption, it follows that the location of the steering wheel on the left side is convenient because the driver does not go out onto the roadway, but safely gets onto the sidewalk.
An interesting situation has developed in Sweden. Until 1967, traffic in this country was on the left, despite the fact that the steering wheel of cars was on the right side. But on September 3, 1967, all the cars stopped overnight and smoothly switched to driving on the right. To do this, the Swedes in the capital had to stop traffic for a day in order to change road signs.
2. The situation in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, Australia
The situation with right-hand and left-hand traffic in different countries of the world developed differently. It is worth considering the most prominent representatives who, over the years, have established traffic rules based not only on the location of the steering wheel, but also on the physiological characteristics of a person.
So, after the advent of cars in Europe, there was complete confusion, which was associated specifically with right-hand and left-hand traffic. Most countries adhered to the right-hand drive, which was adopted since the reign of Napoleon. At the same time, countries such as Great Britain, Sweden and partly Austria-Hungary adhered to left-hand traffic. As mentioned above, in Italy, each city had its own rules. Today, left-hand traffic is present in such European countries as Great Britain, Ireland, Malta, as well as Cyprus (if we consider it Europe).
In Asia
There are many more countries that drive on the left, including Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Macau, Brunei, Bhutan, East Timor and the Maldives.
As for Africa, there are also several countries that drive on the left, namely: South Africa, Botswana, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Namibia, Mozambique, Mauritius, as well as Swaziland and Lesotho.
The United States drove on the left until the end of the 18th century, when there was a gradual transition to driving on the right. There is an opinion that this change was facilitated by a general of French origin, who fought for the independence of the “states” from the British crown. As for Canada, until the 20s of the 20th century they drove on the left. But in Latin American countries such as Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Suriname, as well as Antigua, Barbuda and the Bahamas, people still drive on the left.
Australia, which is the second country in the world in terms of the number of cars per capita, also supports left-hand traffic rules. Countries such as New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, as well as Nauru and Tonga.
While the UK is seen as the main culprit behind driving on the left, France has largely contributed to driving on the right. So, in 1789, during the Great French Revolution, a decree was issued in Paris, which clearly instructed all vehicles to move on the right side, that is, on the common side. Napoleon also played a significant role, who at one time ordered the army to stay on the right side. All this had an impact on many European countries.
3. The main differences between right- and left-hand traffic
Driving on the right and on the left suggests differences in vehicle designs. As a rule, the driver's seat and steering wheel are located on the left in cars that are designed for right-hand traffic, respectively, in cars for left-hand traffic, the driver's seat and steering wheel are on the right. There are also cars in which the driver's seat is located in the center, for example, the McLaren F1. They also have differences (left and right). But the arrangement of the pedals is in order, the brake, the gas were initially inherent in left-hand drive cars, and today they have become the standard for right-hand drive cars.
In general, the main rule of right-hand traffic is to stay on the right side, and left-hand traffic - to the left. Of course, for right-handed people it is initially quite difficult to switch to driving on the left, but it’s enough to try a few times and everything will quickly fall into place.
4. Disadvantages and advantages of driving on the left
When talking about the advantages and disadvantages of driving on the left, one cannot exclude the design of the car, since the safety of the driver and his passengers depends on it. Although right-hand drive cars are designed for left-hand traffic, they are also used in right-sided cases. Moreover, it is considered safe because in a collision the impact falls on the left side and the likelihood that the driver will not be injured is much higher.
Right-hand drive cars are stolen much less frequently (in countries with right-hand drive traffic) because many people consider them inconvenient and not functional. Also, the location of the steering wheel on the right side allows the driver to get out of the car not onto the roadway, but onto the sidewalk, which is also much safer.
The driver’s unusual gaze on the right side allows him to assess the situation on the road from a different angle., which can lead to a reduction in unforeseen situations. At the same time, there are a number of disadvantages that play an important role not only when driving on the left, but also when the steering wheel is on the right. So, overtaking in a right-hand drive car is quite inconvenient. The problem can be solved by installing a well-thought-out mirror system.
In general, the only disadvantage of driving on the left is its infrequency. Today, more than 66% of the population drive on the right, and switching to the left creates a number of inconveniences. Moreover, only 28% of the world's roads are left-hand drive. There are also no differences between left-hand traffic and right-hand traffic, it’s just that everything happens in a mirror image, which causes drivers who are accustomed to right-hand traffic to get confused.
There are also exceptions to the rules. Thus, in Odessa and St. Petersburg there are streets with left-hand traffic, which are designed to relieve the streets of a large number of cars. Also, in Paris, on Avenue General Lemonnier (the only street in Europe) people drive on the left.
An article about left-hand traffic: countries with this type of traffic, features, interesting facts. At the end of the article there is a video about right-hand and left-hand traffic.
The content of the article:
Nowadays, in most countries, traffic is on the right, and this applies not only to road transport, but also to railway transport. However, the rules of some countries, for one reason or another and internal features, provide for the use of left-hand traffic.
What kind of countries are these and why did they prefer to drive on the left side of the road?
A little history
For many, it may be a revelation that for the predominant part of their history, people used left-hand traffic. And only a few centuries ago the situation changed radically, and right-hand traffic began to prevail.
Historians claim that the inhabitants of the Roman Empire were among the first to introduce traffic rules, and they used driving forward on the left side of the road.
Proof of this is the Roman denarius, on one side of which a pair of riders is depicted riding on the left side, as well as traces of carts found in the quarries, which on the left (when viewed from the quarry) had a more distinct trace.
In addition, driving on the left at that time was facilitated by the fact that most of the population were (and remain) right-handed, including horsemen, who needed to hold a weapon in their right hand.
The popularization of the movement on the right side in European countries is attributed to France, in particular to Napoleon, who approved it and spread it not only in France, but also in all the territories of the conquered states, which subsequently decided not to change anything.
At the same time, the popularization of left-hand traffic in a number of Asian countries and Australia is attributed to Great Britain - Britain had many colonies in different parts of the world, the lives of which it seriously influenced.
In the photo: countries with left-hand traffic
There are currently 46 countries in the world where driving on the left is used. The most significant of them are presented below.
Great Britain
In Britain, the first legislative document obliging the population of the country to drive on the left was a bill dated 1756. In it, the authorities obliged everyone to use the right side of the road when moving across London Bridge. And 20 years later, this rule spread to the entire country, which is still relevant today.
Australia
Australia inherited the left-hand drive rule from England. Australia was a British colony from 1770 to 1901, after which it was a dominion of the United Kingdom until 1931. In 1931, Australia received the status of an independent state, although its head (like the head of other countries of the British Commonwealth) formally remains the Queen of Great Britain.
India
As in the case of Australia, driving on the left in India appeared under the influence of the mother country. It is interesting that almost every city has unique traffic features, and the rules for traveling on roads in one locality may not apply in a neighboring one.
In addition, in this country there is complete chaos on the roads, which can cause genuine amazement even among experienced motorists.
New Zealand
Another country that inherited left-hand traffic from England. It is also worth mentioning the fact that in terms of the number of cars per unit of population, New Zealand is among the TOP 10 countries in the world - its indicator is 7 cars per 10 people.
At the same time, control over compliance with traffic rules is entrusted to surveillance cameras, which are equipped on all roads without exception.
Ireland
Ireland is located in close proximity to Britain, which has no doubt had a direct impact on the direction of traffic in the country.
One of the distinctive features of the country is that travel on most roads, tunnels and bridges here is paid, and not everywhere it is possible to pay in cash.
In addition, Ireland has extremely high fines for traffic violations. Thus, for attempting to pass as a “hare” on a toll highway, the violator faces a fine of more than 1,200 euros.
Singapore
A small country located in southeast Asia, where driving on the left is also common.
One of the key features of this country is that owning your own car is very, very expensive. In addition, the Singapore authorities, in order to combat traffic jams, closely monitor the number of cars - according to local rules, the annual increase in the number of vehicles in the country should not exceed 3%.
Japan
The history of the emergence of left-hand traffic in Japan has two opinions. According to the first, Japanese samurai carried their swords on the left side, therefore, in order not to catch each other while riding horses, they adhered to the left-hand movement.
The second suggests that driving on the left side in Japan was facilitated by the country’s close trade relations with the same Great Britain.
Be that as it may, the national decree on driving on the left in Japan was adopted in the 18th century, and was finally approved only in 1927.
Pictured: traffic in Sweden
In the United States, until the end of the 18th century, people drove on the left, until charioteers switched to carts drawn by a large number of horses. The fact is that such carts were not equipped with a special place for the “driver”, so he had to sit on the very rear left horse so that his right hand, which is often much stronger than his left, would be more convenient to control the entire team. In such a situation, it is much more comfortable and safer to move on the right side.
The same principle was taken as a basis by Henry Ford when designing his first car, the steering wheel of which was located on the left side.
Sweden became the last country in continental Europe to switch from driving on the left to driving on the right. The fact is that all neighboring countries used right-hand traffic, and this created a lot of problems when motorists crossed the border. In addition, the predominant number of cars produced were left-hand drive.
It is curious that Swedish residents have been preparing for the transition to right-hand traffic for 4 years. The transition itself took place on September 3, 1967 - at exactly 04:50 all traffic on the streets was stopped, and from 05:00 it was resumed, but according to the rules of right-hand traffic. In Swedish history, this day is referred to as “H-Day,” where “H” is an abbreviation of the Swedish word “h?gertrafik,” which literally translates as “right-hand traffic.”
Currently, there are a sufficient number of cities in the world where there are streets with both left-hand and right-hand traffic. These include, for example, Odessa and St. Petersburg.
At the dawn of the automobile industry, the direction of movement had virtually no effect on the design of vehicles, but over time, certain peculiarities:
- On cars designed for left-hand traffic, the steering wheel is located on the right, while for cars designed for right-hand traffic, it is on the left. This way the driver has better visibility when overtaking, and it is much safer and more convenient for passengers to get off the sidewalk.
- The situation is similar with wipers located at the base of the windshield. So, in left-hand drive cars, when idle, they are folded to the right, and in right-hand drive cars, they are folded to the left.
- One cannot help but recall the gearbox, which is located to the right of the driver in left-hand drive cars, and to the left of him in right-hand drive cars.
Conclusion
About 33% of all roads in the world are right-hand drive, which is not a small number. Therefore, just in case, before traveling abroad by car, it is better to study the specifics of the traffic rules of the countries whose territory you are going to visit.
Video about right-hand and left-hand traffic:
Currently, in Russia and many other countries, driving on the roads is on the right. There are also countries that drive on the left. In the modern world, these are Ireland, Great Britain, Japan, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and a number of African countries. Let's try to figure out why this particular situation has arisen.
The traditions of driving on the left and on the right began long before the invention of the automobile.
According to one version, right-hand traffic arose in Europe during the Middle Ages, when not cars, but riders on horses rode along narrow roads between settlements. They were all armed. The riders held a shield in their left hand to protect themselves in case of a surprise attack, which is why they stayed on the right side. There is another version of the emergence of right-hand traffic: when horse-drawn carts passed each other, it was easier to direct the crew to the side of the road to the right, pulling the reins with the right hand, which is more developed in most people. Years have passed, the means of transportation have changed, but the tradition remains...
Driving on the left is believed to have originated in England. This island state was connected with the outside world only by sea routes, and shipping was actively developing. To streamline the movement of ships, the maritime department issued a decree according to which ships were required to keep to the left. Later, this rule extended to highways and also to all countries under British influence. Some still adhere to it. Another version connects the tradition of driving on the left with the fact that when horse-drawn carriages moved along the streets, the coachman held a whip in his right hand and, while driving the horses, could hit pedestrians. Therefore, the crews had to drive on the left side.
As for our country, in 1752, the Russian Empress Elizaveta Petrovna issued a decree introducing right-hand traffic for carriages and cab drivers on the streets of Russian cities.
At various times, many countries adopted driving on the left, but they switched to new rules. For example, due to the proximity to countries that were former French colonies and drive on the right, the rules were changed by the former British colonies in Africa. North Korea and South Korea switched from driving on the left to driving on the right in 1946, after the end of the Japanese occupation.
One of the last countries to switch from driving on the left to driving on the right was Sweden. This happened in 1967. Preparations for the reform began back in 1963, when the Swedish parliament formed the State Commission for the Transition to Right-Hand Driving, which was supposed to develop and implement a set of measures to ensure such a transition. On September 3, 1967, at 4:50 a.m., all vehicles were required to stop, change sides of the road, and continue driving at 5:00 a.m. For the first time after the transition, a special speed limit mode was installed.
Tourists who come to a country where traffic is unusual for them are advised not to drive a car themselves for safety reasons, but to use the services of a driver.
