Why Most Drivers Around the World Favor the Right Side of the Road

The majority of the world's drivers follow the convention of driving on the right side of the road. This practice is not arbitrary but rooted in logic and historical precedent.

The Ubiquity of Right-Side Driving

Across the globe, the predominant norm for road traffic is driving on the right. According to the International Road Traffic and Accident Database (IRF), over 135 countries, accounting for more than 90% of the world’s population, drive on the right. Some notable exceptions include the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and some small city states that still adhere to left-side driving.

Historical and Logical Origins

The primary reason for this global standard is the practicality it brings. For the majority of the world's population, which is right-handed, operating vehicles from the right-hand side is more intuitive and comfortable. Most vehicle controls, such as steering wheels and brake pedals, are positioned on the left in right-side driving countries. Left-handed individuals in these countries also take into account their safety and convenience.

Latin Influence and Napoleon's Reign

A historical factor that contributed to the widespread adoption of right-side driving is the influence of Latin countries, which notably included France. France, during the Napoleonic era, had a significant impact on the driving laws of many of its occupied regions. Napoleon’s armies often forced these regions to adopt right-side driving.

One theory posits that the driving shift from left to right was initiated by Napoleon after observing left-handed Canadian Abbe Jean-Baptiste Allaire driving with ease. However, historical records are limited, and some accounts suggest that Napoleon imposed right-side driving in territories such as Poland and Italy to promote uniformity and ease logistics.

The French Revolution and Left-Handed Empires

During the French Revolution, with a subtle twist of logic, the driving direction was switched to the right due to the Left Hand's historical association with the Reign of Terror. However, a more convincing reason behind this change is attributed to Napoleon's specific personal preference. It is documented that Napoleon was left-handed and preferred driving on the right to avoid having his sword intercept the oncoming traffic.

The Cases of Left-Side Driving Nations

Nations that drive on the left typically have historical or geographical reasons for their unique driving norms. For example:

Great Britain, Japan, Australia, New Zealand: These countries were either not under French influence or retained their historical traditions. In Britain, the tradition dates back to the Middle Ages when coaches were pulled by horses, and health rules decreed that the driver remained on the left side and the passengers sat on the right. Japan and Korea: Both countries have cultural and historical reasons for their left-side driving. In Japan, early automobiles were adapted from left-side driving American models, and by the time the change needed to be made, it was already deeply ingrained. World War II Occupied Nations: Some occupied nations during World War II were forced to switch to right-side driving as part of aligning with Nazi Germany's traffic regulations. However, these changes were often reverted after the war.

It is also worth noting that there are no countries considering a left-to-right switch. The costs and complexity of changing such a deeply ingrained habit (approximately 30% of the world’s population drives on the left) far outweigh the benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the predominance of right-side driving worldwide is a result of logical and historical factors. Right-handed drivers naturally find it more convenient to control a vehicle from the right. The global consensus on this issue reflects a pragmatic approach to shared safety and practicality. As long as the majority continue to favor right-side driving, the likelihood of a widespread switch to left-side driving remains remote.

For further reading on this topic, you may want to explore:

Engineering ToolBox: Right and Left-Side Driving PBS: A Brief History of Driving on the Right Side of the Road Google Books: Right-Side Driving History