Why Some Countries Drive on the Left

Most people drive on the right side of the road. But some countries drive on the left. Why? The answer is history.

Long ago, people traveled on horses. Most people are right-handed. If you hold a sword in your right hand, you walk on the left side of the path. This way, your right hand is ready to protect yourself.

In the late 1700s, farmers in France and America used big wagons. These wagons had many horses and no driver seat. The driver sat on the back left horse. This let the driver use the right hand to whip the horses. Sitting on the left meant the driver wanted to pass other wagons on the right to see past them. So, they drove on the right side.

Napoleon Bonaparte liked driving on the right. He changed countries he conquered to drive on the right. Britain did not change. Britain kept driving on the left.

Because Britain had a big empire, they took the rule to other places. Countries like Australia, India, and Japan drive on the left today. Japan never lost to Napoleon, and samurai kept to the left like knights with swords.

Today, about one-third of the world drives on the left. Two-thirds drive on the right.

Which side does your country drive on?