DID YOU KNOW…
The Medieval Origin of Driving on the Left (or Right) Side of the Road
While most countries drive on the right, approximately 35% of the world's population drives on the left, a distinction primarily rooted in historical practices from horse-drawn carriages and swordsmen.
The custom of driving on the left largely originates from medieval times when riders, predominantly right-handed, would keep to the left. This allowed their dominant right hand to be free to draw a sword for defense against oncoming traffic or potential attackers. When motor vehicles became widespread, many nations simply codified their existing 'rule of the road.' Conversely, Napoleon's military campaigns played a significant role in popularizing right-hand driving, as his armies moved on the right, a practice that subsequently spread across his conquered territories. North America also independently adopted right-hand driving, cementing the global division.
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