Driving on the left means we left handers can get to use the gear stick with our left hands. (One of the few things that are designed to favour southpaws...) However, we have our right-handed ancestors to thank for the fact we drive on the left hand side of the road.
That's because they used to carry their weapons in their (dominant) right hands. It was far safer to pass someone on the left, as it meant their weapon was between them and the passing stranger.
When Napoleon came along he changed this rule of the road. He was left handed so he ordered his armies to march on the right, thus keeping his sword arm between him and the advancing enemy.
Sunday 10 August 2008
Why do we drive on the left?
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1 comment:
Sadly, where I am from, we drive on the right side of the road, and the gear shift has to be operated with the right hand. :(
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