MovieChat Forums > General Discussion > Here’s why Americans drive on the right ...

Here’s why Americans drive on the right and the UK drives on the left

posted 9 months ago by robocat893 (15918)
16 replies | jump to latest

Interesting...

https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/02/business/why-americans-drive-on-the-right-and-the-british-on-the-left/index.html

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 9 months ago

That's actually wrong. The reason is that long long ago when you were walking or riding your horse alone and you saw someone coming towards you, you instinctively moved to the left, so that your sword/pistol hand were nearest to the unknown person.

🤨

[–] ShogunofYonkers (77369) 9 months ago

That's interesting. I did not know this.
I prefer my weapon in my right pocket... though maybe that's just me...and I'm terrible on horses lol!

[–] nyctc7 (43591) 9 months ago

https://www.straightdope.com/21341809/why-do-the-british-drive-on-the-left

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 9 months ago

😂

[–] [deleted] 9 months ago

that was my understanding, an holdover from the romans.

[–] moviechatterer (15583) 9 months ago

Sounds like a recipe to have your sword/pistol pulled from its scabbard/holster as they walk past leaving you defenseless and them with a drawn weapon!

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 9 months ago

Not really, because you would draw your weapon before they could do that.

🤨

[–] moviechatterer (15583) 9 months ago

Why would you ?
Do you draw your weapon every time you are about to pass someone walking the other way on the sidewalk?

The surprise attack I have outlined would only commence at t he moment of passing

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 9 months ago

No, but you have your weapon ready to draw for your defense.

🤨

[–] WarrenPeace (2267) 9 months ago

That is why I play it safe and always go out in my tank.

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 8 months ago

Good thinking.

🤨

[–] WarrenPeace (2267) 8 months ago

Tanks for that.

[–] capuchin (3182) 9 months ago

Yeah. The article covers most of the basics -- Napoleon switching most of Europe to the right, covered wagons (and the position of the driver on those wagons), but it's less clear on the origins of people sticking to the left in the first place.

It stems from the Roman Empire -- who famously built lots of roads, and who marched on the left down those roads for precisely the reason MovieManCin2 gives: it's about where your sword-hand is.

[–] Bubbathegut (18047) 9 months ago

It would suck if you were left handed. lol

[–] Moonglum9 (11267) 9 months ago

Back then, they just killed those agents of Satan.

[–] Stratego (30496) 9 months ago

The good old days.😈🤚🔫