Left hand drive cars, and driving on the right hand side of the road, so the driver is sitting closest to the center of the road... makes sense for more than the one reason I'd already been informed of (drivers ability to judge distance between their car, and the traffic moving in the other direction) and it's a mark of a truly civilized gentry: this puts the passenger on the safe side of the vehicle when exiting.
They aren't stepping into the middle of the road, they are stepping onto the curb, sidewalk, or shoulder of the road, with a sturdy heavy obstacle (the vehicle) protecting them from traffic that is coming towards them from BOTH directions.
Of course, right hand steering, with left lane driving does the same, but not all countries have worked out the combo.
I suspect there have probably even been national restrictions to allowing the import of the contrary steering wheel side designed vehicles into a country
So, you see, THAT is a mark of a civilized motoring society. It's probably why any countries that became aware that some others were driving in the same direction, but other sides of the road, changed, and switched to moving in the forward direction of progress, on the right side of the road.
All others are a bunch of rowdy types who live a bit more dangerously, of course (wink wink Australia!) and are fun to hang out with, and whose population can still kill snakes from 20 feet away.
They aren't stepping into the middle of the road, they are stepping onto the curb, sidewalk, or shoulder of the road, with a sturdy heavy obstacle (the vehicle) protecting them from traffic that is coming towards them from BOTH directions.
Of course, right hand steering, with left lane driving does the same, but not all countries have worked out the combo.
I suspect there have probably even been national restrictions to allowing the import of the contrary steering wheel side designed vehicles into a country
So, you see, THAT is a mark of a civilized motoring society. It's probably why any countries that became aware that some others were driving in the same direction, but other sides of the road, changed, and switched to moving in the forward direction of progress, on the right side of the road.
All others are a bunch of rowdy types who live a bit more dangerously, of course (wink wink Australia!) and are fun to hang out with, and whose population can still kill snakes from 20 feet away.
Here in the US Virgin Islands we drive on the left side of the road in 99.9% LHD cars - the roads are mountainous, narrow and twisty. There are few if any passing opportunities so hugging the left shoulder feels safer especially when big trucks, taxi vans and newly arrived tourists in rental cars are often in the middle over the mostly unlined roads and encroaching on your lane. Broken passenger side mirrors are not uncommon, driving any kind of classic car is fairly foolish, and defensive driving is of paramount importance. It doesn't help that we have NO open container law, having a rum and coke, Heineken or any drink in the cupholder is legal and all the bars sell 'roadies' in a plastic go cup when you leave.
ReplyDeleteThe island speed limit is 35mph on St Thomas and St John but St Croix has a 4 lane highway! Fatal accidents are actually not a regular occurrence but body damage decorates most vehicles.
But I do not want to be here if/when they change to the 'right side' of the road for sure.
Whoa! A US Territory with no open container laws! I am so looking into making a post about that!
DeleteWe drive on the left hand side of the Road in the US Virgin Island territory. If you have a right hand drive car the passenger exits to the curb as is true in all right hand drive countries and the center line is to right of the driver.
ReplyDeleteah phooey, I hadn't thought about that.... mental preconceptions are tough to overcome
DeleteIn the UK we drive on the left. As we are Top Nation and the natural rulers of the world (temporary setbacks notwithstanding) the rest of you should all change sides.
ReplyDeleteTony
However it is extremely rare to see a right hand drive vehicle in the USVI. The legal age for alcohol purchase is 18 years old too.
ReplyDelete