Because trains go left

When it comes to train travel, one may assume that trains simply go in a straight line along the tracks. However, there is a peculiar fact that surprises many: trains predominantly take left turns. Yes, that’s right! The majority of train tracks are designed in such a way that trains tend to go left, and there’s an interesting reason behind this puzzling phenomenon.

To understand why trains go left, we must first delve into the history of railway engineering. Early train tracks were constructed by skilled engineers who understood that certain design elements would enhance the safety and efficiency of train travel. One such element is the concept of the “cant” or the banking of track curves. By tilting the tracks slightly to the left, engineers discovered that it significantly improved the stability and safety of trains during turns.

As a train approaches a curve, the inner rail experiences greater force due to the train’s weight shifting outward. By tilting the tracks to the left, the train’s weight is countered, reducing the risk of derailment. This ingenious design maximizes the stability and safety of trains, preventing accidents that could potentially be disastrous.

Another reason trains primarily take left turns can be attributed to the majority hand rule. Similar to driving on the road, where people usually drive on the right side, trains tend to follow the same principle. In most countries, including the United States and many European nations, trains operate on the right-hand side of the tracks. Consequently, when a curve approaches, trains naturally take a left turn to maintain their position on the right side of the tracks, adhering to the rule.

Furthermore, the phenomenon of trains predominantly going left is also influenced by historical factors. Back in the early days of railway development, industrialization was booming, and train tracks were primarily constructed for transporting goods from factories to various destinations. To optimize efficiency, railway planners sought to minimize the number of sharp curves, as they would slow down the train and increase the risk of derailments.

During the planning phase, engineers focused on maintaining a consistent radius for curves, which often resulted in a preference for left turns. This preference stemmed from the right-hand side of the track being favored for other purposes, such as accommodating stations and sidings, while maintaining more generous curves. As a result, left turns became the norm, leading to the network of railway tracks we have today.

However, it’s worth noting that this left-turn quirk is not universally applicable. In some countries like the United Kingdom and Australia, where trains predominantly operate on the left side of tracks, they tend to take more right turns. This is due to the difference in driving norms, which impacts the orientation of train tracks and the rules they abide by.

So, the next time you find yourself traveling by train and observing the curve ahead, take note of the direction it turns. The reason behind trains primarily going left can be traced back to the combined factors of improved stability, adherence to the majority hand rule, and historical planning practices. It is a fascinating quirk of rail engineering that adds to the complexity and efficiency of train travel worldwide.