However, a number of other former British colonies are included among the right-side driving nations globally—like the U.S. and Canada. So, aside from our blatant disregard for old-world traditions, why did America ultimately choose a different path from the British? As is often the case, part of the answer points to France.
However, in the 1750s, France formalized the keep-right convention into law. If this was the entirety of the story, we wouldn’t require an explanation. So, why didn’t this practice gain global traction? To find out, we need to revisit the British—and look back another 450 years to Pope Boniface.
In 1300, Boniface declared that Christianity would rise above the grim aspects of daily existence if followers got up from their dirt floors and took a few steps, hence he proclaimed the first Christian holy year—or Jubilee—and assured believers that they’d be rewarded for making the long journey to Rome to visit the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul 15 times each. If you were native, that number was 30.
Despite the plagues and conflicts that had drastically diminished Europe’s populace in the 1200s, this still resulted in a significant influx of pedestrians on Europe’s primitive roads, prompting a new decree: foot traffic should keep left. Christians returning to England (which has retained its general structure from then to now) brought this practice back. It wasn’t until massive migrations during Europe’s colonial period that resistance to this custom would begin to appear.
That’s right. We’re referencing America, folks.
In the United States, “smoldering resistance” to old-world customs significantly influenced our driving regulations, but practicality was the foremost motivator (pun somewhat intended). This was primarily due to the Conestoga wagon, which lacked a front seating position for the driver. Instead, it was operated from a platform jutting from the left side of the wagon. Naturally, when two wagons faced each other head-on, they would both shift to their right to allow drivers to maintain visibility and control as they passed.
This practice persisted, and as U.S. roadways evolved, states enacted “keep right” as the law of the land. The rest is history
Historical Context
1. Ancient Practice: The roots of left-side driving can be traced back to ancient societies. In medieval Europe, knights opted to keep their right hand free for drawing swords, leading them to travel on the left side of the road. This approach was intended to enhance safety during encounters and minimize conflicts.
2. British Influence: The establishment of left-side driving is primarily attributed to the British. In the 18th century, the British government imposed a regulation mandating that all traffic should adhere to the left. This rule was further reinforced with the passage of the Highway Act of 1835, which unified road regulations throughout England.
Colonial Expansion
As the British Empire grew, so too did the customs of left-side driving. Nations and territories colonized by the British frequently embraced this driving standard. This includes countries like Australia, India, and several Caribbean islands. The impact of British colonialism was pivotal in cementing left-side driving in these areas.
Conclusion
The custom of driving on the left side of the road is a complex interaction of history, culture, and practicality. With two billion individuals adhering to this system, it illustrates a rich history of tradition and adaptation. Understanding these motivations offers insight into how driving norms arise and persist across various cultures.
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