22-11-2014, 03:29 PM
3
Re: Driving on Left or Right
Dead easy answer...Its basically because most people are right handed. I shall explain...
Back in the days of people riding about on horseback, a sword would normally be used in the right hand. Riding on the left meant that it was easier to defend oneself if attacked by an oncoming horseman. ie, right hand to right hand fighting. Its also the reason we get on a horse from the left. That was the safe kerb side, even if they might not have had kerbs back then.
The french claim to have come up with the idea of driving (riding as it was then) on the right around the time of their revolution because their country was "safe." As usual though, that a french falsehood...
I do so hope this answer has not spoiled what could be a fun thread!
22-11-2014, 04:33 PM
6
Re: Driving on Left or Right
Originally Posted by Fender Bender
->
Dead easy answer...Its basically because most people are right handed. I shall explain...
Back in the days of people riding about on horseback, a sword would normally be used in the right hand. Riding on the left meant that it was easier to defend oneself if attacked by an oncoming horseman. ie, right hand to right hand fighting. Its also the reason we get on a horse from the left. That was the safe kerb side, even if they might not have had kerbs back then.
The french claim to have come up with the idea of driving (riding as it was then) on the right around the time of their revolution because their country was "safe." As usual though, that a french falsehood...
I do so hope this answer has not spoiled what could be a fun thread!
22-11-2014, 04:43 PM
8
Re: Driving on Left or Right
Originally Posted by Patsy
->
Trust the French to be different
The french language, as you may have guessed after reading that, is not my strongpoint!
Edit: Just a thought, but if one drives on the same side, does it not wear the doors out on that side quickly?
22-11-2014, 04:45 PM
9
Re: Driving on Left or Right
Originally Posted by Fender Bender
->
Only said they claim that. The claim is, in reality a load of "merde de taureau francais!" The french language, as you may have guessed after reading that, is not my strongpoint!
22-11-2014, 04:46 PM
10
Re: Driving on Left or Right
[QUOTE=Fender Bender;564173]Only said they claim that. The claim is, in reality a load of "merde de taureau francais!"The french language, as you may have guessed after reading that, is not my strongpoint!
Edit: Just a thought, but if one drives on the same side, does it not wear the doors out on that side quickly?[/QUOTE]
Oooo - its getting very complicated - best get a bike !
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