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.
Maybe someone doesn't know yet.It is difficult to find a car forum in which the debate about right-hand drive and left-hand drive has not flared up. This is due to the increase in the number of right-hand drive cars brought to Russia and the peculiarity of their operation in right-hand traffic.
The division into the right and left sides of the movement began even before the appearance of the first car. Historians still argue among themselves which movement in Europe was the original. During the existence of the Roman Empire, horsemen rode on the left so that the right hand in which they held the weapon was ready to instantly strike the enemy riding towards them. Evidence was found that the Romans drove on the left: in 1998, a Roman quarry was excavated in the UK near Swindon, near which the left track was broken stronger than the right, as well as on a Roman denarius (dated 50 BC - 50 AD) two horsemen were depicted riding along the left side.
In the Middle Ages, it was more convenient to mount a horse when driving on the left, since the sword did not interfere with the landing. However, there is an argument against this argument - the convenience of riding in the left or right lane when riding on horseback varies depending on the riding method, and there were not so many warriors compared to the rest of the population. After people stopped taking weapons with them on the road, traffic gradually began to change to the right. This was explained by the fact that most people are right-handed, and with the advantage of the right hand in strength and dexterity, it is more comfortable to do many things while moving on the right side of the road.
When walking on foot (without weapons), when driving a horse and cart, it is more convenient to stay on the right side. From this side, it is more convenient for a person to be close to oncoming traffic in order to stop to talk with oncoming traffic, and it is easier to hold the reins with his right hand. Knights in tournaments also rode on the right - they held a shield in their left hand, and placed a spear on the back of the horse, but there is an argument against this argument - tournaments were just an indicative “show” and had nothing to do with real life.
Depending on the type of horse-drawn carriage, the convenience of right- and left-hand traffic varies: for single-seat carriages with a seat for the coachman in the front, it is preferable to ride on the right side, since when traveling with another carriage, the coachman needs to pull the reins harder with his right hand. Crews with a postilion (a coachman who drives the team while sitting on one of the horses) also stuck to the right side - the postilion always sits on the left horse to make it easier for himself to mount and control with his right hand. Multi-seat and open carriages drove on the left side of the road - so the driver could not accidentally hit a passenger or passerby walking along the sidewalk with his whip.
In Russia, even under Peter I, right-hand traffic was accepted as the norm; carts and sleighs passed, as a rule, keeping to the right, and in 1752, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna issued an official decree introducing right-hand traffic for carriages and cabs on the streets of Russian cities. Among Western countries, the first law on the direction of movement was issued in England - it was a bill of 1756, according to which traffic on London Bridge should be on the left side, and in case of “driving into oncoming traffic” a fine of 1 pound of silver was levied. And only after 20 years, the English government issued the historical “Road Act”, which prescribed the introduction of left-hand traffic. By the way, the same movement was adopted on the Manchester-Liverpool railway line that opened in 1830. According to one of the assumptions, England took this from maritime rules, since it was an island state, and the only connection with other countries was navigation - through them the ship passed another ship that was approaching it from the right.
It is Great Britain that is considered the “parent” of left-hand traffic; this example was adopted by its colonies (India, Pakistan, Australia) and other countries of the world. During the French Revolution in 1789, Napoleon issued an order for the military to move on the right side of the road, and subsequently the direction of movement of transport and military columns was determined by the political views of the country: the countries - allies of Napoleon (Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Spain) established the right-hand drive movement, and the opposing countries (Britain, Portugal, Austria-Hungary) are left-handed. In Austria, in different cities, the movement went in different directions, and then this country also pulled to the right. In Japan, the second largest left-hand drive country, it was adopted in 1859 under the influence of Queen Victoria's ambassador, Sir Rutherford Alcock.
After the end of the Japanese occupation in 1946, South Korea and the DPRK switched from driving on the left to driving on the right. Czechoslovakia, formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, switched to right-hand traffic in 1938. Sweden became one of the last countries to change the direction of traffic; for this purpose, in 1963, the State Commission for the Transition to Right-Hand Driving was created. Its tasks included development and implementation, and right-hand traffic was officially established in 1967. On this special day, September 3, at exactly 4:50 am, all cars and other vehicles had to stop, change lanes to the opposite lane and resume driving at 5:00. To ensure safety during this change, authorities briefly introduced a speed limit.
In the United States, traffic initially moved on the left side, but, according to historians, England's love of freedom and contradiction forced them to move to the right side. According to one version, the founder of the right-wing movement in America was the French general Marie Joseph Lafayette, one of the most ardent fighters for independence from the British crown. Canada continued to drive on the left until the 20s of the 20th century.
And in the future, the formation of left or right directions of traffic was determined by the neighborhood with certain countries - former British colonies in Africa (Sierra Leone, Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana) changed left-hand traffic to right-hand traffic, as they were located next to former French colonies. And the former Portuguese colony of Mozambique changed the right-hand drive to the opposite due to its proximity to former British colonies.
As for the location of the steering wheel, on the first cars in most cases it was on the “wrong” right side for us. Moreover, regardless of which side the cars were driving on. This was done so that the driver could better see the car being overtaken. In addition, with this steering wheel arrangement, the driver could get out of the car directly onto the sidewalk, and not onto the roadway. By the way, the first mass-produced car with a “correct” steering wheel was the Ford T.
In some countries, controversial issues arise due to the location of the steering wheel - for example, in the Bahamas, people mainly drive left-hand drive cars, since they are convenient to import from the USA, and in the east of our country, on the contrary, most cars are right-hand drive due to proximity with Japan. Among the countries with left-hand traffic are Australia, England, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bermuda, Cyprus, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Holy Island Helena, South Africa, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Zimbabwe and many others.
Driving on the left is the hallmark of England, as well as some other countries. But in Europe, the UK is considered the only country where it is customary to drive on the left. What is the reason for this phenomenon?
Left-hand traffic: historical background
According to historians, the left side of the road was chosen back in the days when horse-drawn carriages rode around London. Passing on the right, the coachman could accidentally hit people on the sidewalk with his whip. That's why everyone drove on the left.
Some researchers believe that driving on the left came to the British Isles from the Romans, who once conquered them. There it was also more convenient to ride a horse on the left and hold the sword in the right hand. This would allow the attackers to be quickly repulsed with the strongest hand.
In addition, the English bill introduced in 1756 worked in favor of the “left” movement. It said that on London Bridge there is now only traffic on the left. Violation of the rule was subject to a large fine.
Exactly 20 years after the bill, a law on driving on the left was passed throughout England. This method of traveling by car is still relevant today.
Marine explanation
For a long time, the fate of Great Britain was connected with the sea. After all, only steamships and ships went to the islands. They were the link between England and the rest of the world. Therefore, maritime traditions are closely woven into the way of life of the British.
Previously, ships passed ships on the left. And for a country so closely connected with the sea, it is not surprising that this custom has become a land custom.
Today, overtaking on the right is accepted in navigation.
Countries that followed the UK
States using left-hand traffic made their choice influenced by the following factors:
- Colonial reason. Even in the last century, England had many colonies under its control. Therefore, after the abolition of colonization, many states retained the usual pattern of movement as the only correct one;
- Political reason. Thanks to Napoleon, France set the pace among other countries in choosing sides of the road. Those who supported Napoleon also introduced a right-wing scheme. And those who were against chose the left side.
The friendship between England and Japan resulted in the introduction of a left-hand drive system for the second country. A new law was passed in 1859. And it is valid today.
When the colonies of England in the United States gained freedom, they switched to driving on the right, but previously they also drove there, keeping to the left. This was the Americans' response to the occupiers.
What is the situation with left-hand traffic in the world?
The world community is 72% made up of those who choose to travel on the right. And only 28% of those who drive on the left.
In North America, the Bahamas, Jamaica and Barbados drive on the left.
In South America, this is the situation in Suriname and Guyana.
And in Europe, England, Ireland and Malta drive on the left. In Asia, 17 countries are committed to driving on the left.
In Africa there are 13 such countries. And in Oceania their number is 8. Not so few, if considered in general.
The rest of the world chose the right side of the road to drive. But what is the reason for this choice?
Left and right: reasons for the transition
Moving from one side to the other is not so easy. For example, in Sweden they switched to right-hand traffic due to the large number of cars suitable for this. We made the transition on a specially designated day.
The former colonies of England in the United States made their choice as a sign of protest against the former occupiers.
South Korea, having escaped from Japanese oppression, also changed “left” to “right”. They did the same in China.
Features of driving on the left
Tourists who come to a country where traffic is on the left for the first time note the inconvenience of switching to a different driving style.
Some people experience fear when changing directions. If the above factors are present, you should refrain from traveling by car on your own. After all, you can always use public transport or a taxi. And overdoing yourself while driving is life-threatening.
Driving on the left side is not difficult, the main thing is to carefully look at the signs and markings, and also take your time. A few days of practice on the crowded streets - and now you can go onto the main avenues of London.
To make the task easier, you can build a detailed route in the navigator, and also search in advance on the map for detours and places to park your car. In addition to all this, in every country there are courses that help you learn to drive from a new perspective.
The consequence of driving on the left is simpler traffic rules, as well as a certain freedom for those who wish to be polite on the road.
For example, there are stories that English gentlemen advocated driving on the left, as it allowed them to freely shake hands at low speeds, and then drive away without problems.
Millions of motorists argue about which is better: driving on the right or on the left. But Great Britain made its choice a long time ago, and it seems that it has no intention of changing it.
England is very different from many other European countries. It has a special culture, a rich history and its own traditions, which have turned into habits. And for the British, driving on the left is as natural as oatmeal for breakfast. In the UK they even believe that this is the only way to travel that is the most reliable, convenient and safe.
If there were no England, there would be no right-hand drive. The legitimacy of this statement has been debated in automotive circles for decades.
AiF.ru tried to figure out why the left-hand traffic pattern took root in Great Britain and how this affected other countries of the world.
Why is it common to drive on the left side of the road in England?
The rule of driving on the left side of the road was legislated by the English authorities in 1756. For violation of the bill there was an impressive fine - a pound of silver.
There are two main versions that explain why in the middle of the 18th century England chose to drive on the left.
- Roman version
In Ancient Rome, people drove on the left. This approach was explained by the fact that the legionnaires held weapons in their right hands. And therefore, in the event of an unexpected meeting with the enemy, it was more profitable for them to be on the left side of the road. The enemy thus fell directly into the chopping hand. After the Romans conquered the British Isles in 45 AD, "leftism" may have spread to England. This version is supported by the results of archaeological expeditions. In 1998, a Roman quarry was excavated in Wiltshire in southwest England, near which the left track was broken more than the right.
- Marine version
Previously, the British could only get to Europe by water. Therefore, maritime traditions have become firmly entrenched in the culture of this people. In the old days, English ships had to pass on the left side of an oncoming ship. Subsequently, this custom could spread to roads.
Modern international shipping rules stipulate right-hand traffic.
Photo: Shutterstock.com
How did English “leftism” spread throughout the world?
Most left-hand drive countries have chosen this particular traffic pattern due to the following circumstances:
- Colonial factor.
Even in the middle of the last century, Great Britain was an empire on which the sun never set. Most of the former colonies scattered around the world decided to continue driving on the left after gaining independence.
- Political factor.
During the Great French Revolution, a decree was issued which ordered all residents of the republic to move on the “common” right side of the road. When did he come to power? Napoleon Bonaparte, the traffic pattern became a policy argument. In those states that supported Napoleon - Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain - right-hand traffic was established. On the other hand, those who opposed France: Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, Portugal turned out to be “leftists”. Subsequently, left-hand traffic in these three countries was preserved only in the United Kingdom.
Political friendship with Great Britain contributed to the introduction of “leftism” on the roads in Japan: in 1859 Queen Victoria's Ambassador Sir Rutherford Alcock convinced the authorities of the island state to accept driving on the left.
When did right-hand traffic become established in Russia?
In Russia, the rules for right-hand traffic developed back in the Middle Ages. Danish envoy to Peter I Just Yul in 1709 he wrote that “in the Russian Empire, it is customary everywhere for carts and sleighs, when meeting each other, to pass each other, keeping to the right side.” In 1752 Empress Elizaveta Petrovna enshrined this norm in law by issuing a decree on the introduction of right-hand traffic for carriages and cab drivers on the streets of the empire’s cities.
Countries that changed traffic
History knows many examples when countries switched from one traffic pattern to another. States did this for the following reasons:
- “To spite yesterday’s occupiers”
The United States switched to driving on the right side of the road after declaring independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Korea switched to driving on the right after the end of the Japanese occupation in 1946.
- Geographic feasibility
Many former British colonies in Africa switched to driving on the right in the mid-1960s and early 1970s. Sierra Leone, Gambia, Nigeria and Ghana did this for convenience: they were surrounded by “right-riding” former French colonies.
Sweden is the last country in Europe to change direction. In 1967, the so-called H-Day took place there, when all the cars in the kingdom changed lanes. The reason for the transition to “law” lay not only in geography, but also in economics. Most of the countries where Swedish-made cars were sold used left-hand drive.
Swedish "H" day. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org
In 2009, Samoa switched to driving on the left. This was due to the large number of used right-hand drive cars being imported into the country from Australia and New Zealand.
"Left" exceptions
In right-leaning countries there is room for left-wing exceptions. So, on the small street of General Lemonnier (350 meters long) in Paris, people move on the left side. There are small areas with left-hand traffic in Odessa (Vysoky Lane), in Moscow (passage on Leskova Street), in St. Petersburg (embankment of the Fontanka River) and in Vladivostok (Semyonovskaya Street on the section from Aleutskaya Street to the intersection with Okeansky Prospekt, as well as on Mordovtseva street).
Which movement is safer?
According to experts, which side you are driving on does not affect the degree of traffic safety - it is just a matter of habit.
Countries with left-hand traffic
The global ratio of right-hand to left-hand roads is 72% and 28%, with 66% of the world's drivers driving on the right side and 34% driving on the left.
North America
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Jamaica
South America
- Guyana
- Suriname
- Great Britain
- Ireland
- Malta
- Bangladesh
- Brunei
- Butane
- East Timor
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Sri Lanka
- Japan
- Botswana
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Seychelles
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Australia
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Tonga
- Fiji
The division into the right and left sides of the movement began even before the appearance of the first car. Historians still argue among themselves which movement in Europe was the original. During the existence of the Roman Empire, horsemen rode on the left so that the right hand in which they held the weapon was ready to instantly strike the enemy riding towards them. Evidence was found that the Romans drove on the left: in 1998, a Roman quarry was excavated in the UK near Swindon, near which the left track was broken stronger than the right, as well as on a Roman denarius (dated 50 BC - 50 AD) two horsemen were depicted riding along the left side.
In the Middle Ages, it was more convenient to mount a horse when driving on the left, since the sword did not interfere with the landing. However, there is an argument against this argument - the convenience of riding in the left or right lane when riding on horseback varies depending on the riding method, and there were not so many warriors compared to the rest of the population. After people stopped taking weapons with them on the road, traffic gradually began to change to the right. This was explained by the fact that most people are right-handed, and with the advantage of the right hand in strength and dexterity, it is more comfortable to do many things while moving on the right side of the road.
When walking on foot (without weapons), when driving a horse and cart, it is more convenient to stay on the right side. From this side, it is more convenient for a person to be close to oncoming traffic in order to stop to talk with oncoming traffic, and it is easier to hold the reins with his right hand. Knights in tournaments also rode on the right - they held a shield in their left hand, and placed a spear on the back of the horse, but there is an argument against this argument - tournaments were just an indicative “show” and had nothing to do with real life.
Depending on the type of horse-drawn carriage, the convenience of right- and left-hand traffic varies: for single-seat carriages with a seat for the coachman in the front, it is preferable to ride on the right side, since when traveling with another carriage, the coachman needs to pull the reins harder with his right hand. Crews with a postilion (a coachman who drives the team while sitting on one of the horses) also stuck to the right side - the postilion always sits on the left horse to make it easier for himself to mount and control with his right hand. Multi-seat and open carriages drove on the left side of the road - so the driver could not accidentally hit a passenger or passerby walking along the sidewalk with his whip.
In Russia, even under Peter I, right-hand traffic was accepted as the norm; carts and sleighs passed, as a rule, keeping to the right, and in 1752, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna issued an official decree introducing right-hand traffic for carriages and cabs on the streets of Russian cities. Among Western countries, the first law on the direction of movement was issued in England - it was a bill of 1756, according to which traffic on London Bridge should be on the left side, and in case of “driving into oncoming traffic” a fine of 1 pound of silver was levied. And only after 20 years, the English government issued the historical “Road Act”, which prescribed the introduction of left-hand traffic. By the way, the same movement was adopted on the Manchester-Liverpool railway line that opened in 1830. According to one of the assumptions, England took this from maritime rules, since it was an island state, and the only connection with other countries was navigation - through them the ship passed another ship that was approaching it from the right.
Great Britain is considered the main “culprit” of “leftism,” which subsequently influenced many countries of the world. According to one version, she brought the same order to her roads from maritime rules, that is, at sea, an oncoming ship allowed another one to pass, which was approaching from the right.
The influence of Great Britain affected the order of traffic in its colonies, therefore, in particular, in countries such as India, Pakistan, and Australia, left-hand traffic was adopted. In 1859, Queen Victoria's ambassador, Sir R. Alcock, convinced the Tokyo authorities to also accept driving on the left.
Right-hand traffic is often associated with France, with its influence on many other countries. During the Great French Revolution of 1789, a decree issued in Paris ordered moving along the “common” right side. A little later, Napoleon consolidated this position by ordering the military to stay on the right side. Further, this order of movement, strange as it may seem, was associated with big politics at the beginning of the 19th century. Those who supported Napoleon - Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain. On the other hand, those who opposed Napoleonic army: Britain, Austria-Hungary, Portugal turned out to be “leftists”. The influence of France was so great that it influenced many European countries and they switched to right-hand traffic. However, in England, Portugal, Sweden and some other countries, traffic remained on the left. In Austria, a generally curious situation has developed. In some provinces, traffic was on the left, and in others, on the right. And only after the Anschluss in the 30s with Germany, the whole country switched to right-hand drive.
In the beginning, driving on the left was also common in the United States. But, probably, the Americans’ love of freedom expressed, in contrast to the British, doing the opposite. It is believed that the Americans were “convinced” to switch to the right-hand movement by the French general Marie-Joseph Lafayette, who made a significant contribution to the struggle for independence from the British crown. At the same time, Canada continued to drive on the left until the 1920s.
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. In Czechoslovakia (formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), left-hand traffic was maintained until 1938. 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.
After the advent of cars in Europe, real leapfrog was happening. Most countries drove on the right side - this custom has been imposed since the time of Napoleon. However, in England, Sweden and even part of Austria-Hungary, driving on the left reigned. And in Italy, different cities generally had different rules!
As for the location of the steering wheel, on the first cars in most cases it was on the “wrong” right side for us. Moreover, regardless of which side the cars were driving on. This was done so that the driver could better see the car being overtaken. In addition, with this steering wheel arrangement, the driver could get out of the car directly onto the sidewalk, and not onto the roadway. By the way, the first mass-produced car with a “correct” steering wheel was the Ford T.