Why do a few countries drive on the left hand side of the road when most drive on the right?

Answer by  dr84bhl (2789)

English drivers are on the left side because it has always been so. The cars are made to drive on the left hand side and all the road markings are for left hand side. If it changes to right then all cars would have to be replaced so the steering wheel is on the other side of the car.

Answer by  fixitman (80)

Most countries that drive on the left hand side were once part of the British Commonwealth. England, Australia, New Zealand, India and parts of Africa are just some of the countries that still follow this practice. Even parts of Canada only switched over to the right in the 1920's.

Answer by  mcr666 (362)

This is becuase in some countries, the design of the vehicle varies from that of other countires. The steering wheel is placed on the left hand side rather than on the right hand side. This makes it necessary for people to drive on the left side of the road, in keeping with the "driver to the dotted line" rule.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

Napoleon stated that everyone must drive on the right side of the road. The French spread this to their empire. Americans drove on the right to be contrary to the British, and Canadians followed suit. The Spanish empire used the right side of the road to contrast the British. Between French, American and Spanish influence, the right side won.

Answer by  matt42 (149)

In my personal opinion its backwards, but who am i to judge? It has to do with the position of their steering wheels in the vehicles manufactured in certain countries. Its more cost effective in other countries to produce vehicles like that.

Answer by  TZ16 (367)

Most countries that drive on the left hand side of the road were former English colonies. Great Britain (including England) drives on the left. The English built cars for left hand driving. These left hand cars were brought to their former colonies. Therefore, the tradition of driving on the left hand side has continued to this day.

Answer by  pedro55 (76)

There is one thing called culture pride and a few countries believe they are superior so even knowing there are less accidents driving on the right side of the road.