driversonly

Left Side, Right Side

Filed in archive on December 19, 2005

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I'm sure I haven't been the only American clod visiting Britain who was looking the wrong way while crossing the street. I very clearly remember my friends yelling to me as I crossed... "What is their problem?" I thought. So I stopped, turned around and walked back just in time to... live. It was a bit scary. What are they doing on the side of the road, anyway? Well, how-do-you-do, here's an article on that very topic: Why do some countries drive on the right
and others on the left ?
In the early years of english colonisation of North America, English driving customs were followed and the colonies drove on the left. After gaining independence from England, however, they were anxious to cast off all remaining links with their British colonial past and gradually changed to right-hand driving. (Incidentally, the influence of other European countries' nationals should not be underestimated.) The first law requiring drivers to keep right was passed in Pennsylvania in 1792, and similar laws were passed in New York in 1804 and New Jersey in 1813.
Have any of you had any troubles while driving in other countries?

Permalink: Left Side, Right Side

Tags: Britain  Driving 

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