Why do they drive on the right in England

When it comes to road traffic, people often assume that most countries drive on the right side of the road. However, the United Kingdom is one of the few exceptions. In England, as well as in other countries such as Australia, India, and South Africa, people drive on the left side of the road. This unique choice may seem puzzling, so let’s explore the historical and practical reasons behind England’s adherence to left-hand driving.

Historically, the origins of left-hand driving can be traced back to the days of horse-drawn carriages. Knights and soldiers usually held their swords in their right hands, and as a result, would mount their horses from the left side. This practice carried over to carriages, whereby drivers would sit on the right side of the carriage to have a clear view of the road ahead, while keeping their right arm free to control the horses with a whip. Driving on the left side allowed them to easily see who was approaching from the opposite direction and avoid potential collisions.

As the automotive industry emerged in the late 1800s, England already had a well-established tradition of left-hand driving. British car manufacturers began producing vehicles with right-hand steering wheels, accommodating the prevalent driving practice. This continuity drove the country’s preference for left-hand driving, as it was more practical for drivers to have a clear view of the road, especially when overtaking or turning.

Furthermore, the adoption of left-hand driving can also be attributed to the overall European tradition of sticking to the left side of the road. Many countries, including England, had monarchical regimes that inspired their citizens to adopt the driving practices of their kings or queens. For instance, Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, was known to prefer left-hand driving. As a result, her subjects followed suit, further solidifying the already practiced habit.

In addition to its historical roots, driving on the left side of the road has practical benefits. Firstly, it allows drivers to sit closer to the center of the road, offering a better perspective of oncoming traffic. This positioning also reduces the risk of drivers inadvertently drifting into the opposite lane, potentially causing accidents.

Moreover, left-hand driving promotes a systematic flow of traffic. Countries that drive on the right side of the road usually position their overtaking lanes on the left, meaning that people would have to cross multiple lanes to overtake a slower vehicle. By contrast, in left-hand driving countries like England, overtaking is safely achieved by moving into the lane closer to the center of the road, reducing the number of required lane changes and minimizing confusion.

While driving on the left side may be the norm in England, it does present some challenges for visitors and immigrant residents. Tourists or people who have primarily driven on the right side might find the adjustment to left-hand driving initially difficult. The unfamiliarity can lead to confusion, especially when navigating roundabouts or making left turns.

Overall, the decision to drive on the left side of the road in England stems from a combination of historical practices and practical reasoning. It may seem unconventional compared to its neighboring countries like France or Germany, but it has become an integral part of British culture. So, the next time you visit England, embrace the tradition of left-hand driving and enjoy navigating the winding roads and picturesque landscapes while keeping the wheel on the right side of your vehicle!