Do you really know? Why do we drive on the left hand side of the road?
Nov 27, 2025
Ever wondered why we drive on the left side? It all dates back to ancient soldiers who kept their swords ready in their right hands. As time moved on, some regions stuck with this norm, while others shifted to the right thanks to factors like wagon design. Interestingly, a third of the world still drives left, mainly in former British colonies. Plus, Samoa made a surprising switch in 2009. Get ready for a quick dive into history and culture that explains our driving habits!
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Be Alert For Wrong-Way Risks
- Wrong-way crashes cause up to 430 deaths per year in the U.S., so be vigilant about lane direction.
- Check road signs and drive defensively to avoid wrong-way incidents.
Left-Side Travel Rooted In Right-Handedness
- Ancient societies favored left-side travel because most people were right-handed and carried weapons on the left.
- This practical habit became a long-lasting social norm influencing road use.
Medieval Riding Etiquette Reinforced Left
- In the Middle Ages horsemen rode left to draw swords and avoid accidental duels with passing riders.
- That etiquette reinforced left-side travel as a safety and courtesy convention.