Understanding the Driving Differences: Why the US and UK Drive on Opposite Sides
When Americans travel to the United Kingdom, one of the major adjustments they must make is driving on the opposite side of the road. While Americans are accustomed to driving on the right side, the British drive on the left side, leading to an interesting cultural difference on the roadways.
I drove out to Pennsylvania’s rural Amish country to see a man about a wagon. I wanted to get an answer to a question that has been on my mind since 2015 when I took a work trip to England.
Back when I was driving through London in a Mini Cooper, I couldn't help but wonder: Why was I driving on the “wrong” side of the road? Coming from the United States, originally a bunch of British colonies, it struck me as odd that we speak the same language but drive on opposite sides, sometimes leading to dangerous situations.
And the United Kingdom is not alone in driving on the opposite side of the road. Around 30% of countries in the world follow left-side driving, while the remaining 70% stick to the right. The history behind this split is quite interesting.
In Europe, Napoleon had a significant impact on driving practices. In the United States, many credit Henry Ford for the right-side driving tradition, but this belief is actually incorrect. The preference for right-side traffic dates back much further than the invention of cars, and even before the formation of the United States.
That’s how I found myself in a former tobacco drying barn in Conestoga, Pennsylvania, admiring a wagon. Just a few days earlier, I had the opportunity to test drive a Tesla Cybertruck, a modern electric vehicle. I was greeted by John Stehman, whose family has been farming the land in the area since 1743. He is also the president of the Conestoga Area Historical Society. Through my research on the history of roads and driving, I discovered that the Conestoga wagon played a significant role in this narrative.
Wagon trains
These tall wagons with arched cloth roofs were a symbol of America's expansion to the west, transporting the belongings of pioneers from the east to the frontier. In the early 1700s, western Pennsylvania was considered the distant frontier.
Local carpenters and blacksmiths created Conestoga wagons to transport goods, including farm produce and items traded with Native Americans, to markets in Philadelphia. Philadelphia was one of the largest cities in the colonies at that time. The wagon driver could either ride one of the horses or sit on a "lazy board" that extended from the side of the wagon. When more control was needed, the driver would walk alongside the horses, using levers and ropes.
An original 19th century Conestoga wagon at the Conestoga Area Historical Society in Conestoga, Pennsylvania in 2024.
An original 19th century Conestoga wagon at the Conestoga Area Historical Society in Conestoga, Pennsylvania in 2024.
Stehman explained that when Peter Valdes-Dapena gave the verbal command like 'Gee' or 'Haul', the dogs would hear it. He would also gently tug on the leather "jerk line" once or twice.
I pictured myself guiding a team of horses pulling a blue-painted wagon down a long dusty trail. Most people, including me, are right-handed. This is why Conestoga wagons had the controls on the left side, within easy reach of the driver's right hand. This positioning placed the driver in the middle of the road with the wagon to the right.
As trade and traffic increased between Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia, the first major highway in America was established. The Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike Road opened in 1795. One of the rules outlined in its charter, as mentioned in the book "Ways of the World" by M.G. Lay, was that all traffic must keep to the right side of the road – just like the Conestoga wagons did.
In 1804, New York became the first state to dictate traffic stay to the right on all roads and highways.
A Model T Ford in 1915.
A Model T Ford in 1915.
Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Some people believe that Henry Ford standardized US traffic on the right side of the road by placing the steering wheel on the left side of the Model T in 1908. However, Ford was actually just following established driving habits.
Interestingly, most of Europe, with the exception of Britain, also drives on the right side of the road, similar to Americans.
Napoleon’s march through Europe
Why are the British outliers even on their own continent? Credit, or blame, the French.
Coloured engraving depicting pedestrians and carriages on the boulevards of Paris, France, around 1750.
Coloured engraving depicting pedestrians and carriages on the boulevards of Paris, France, around 1750.
The French revolutionary government, led by Maximilien Robespierre during the late 18th-century "Reign of Terror," mandated that all individuals must drive on the right side of the road.
In the past, the left side of the road was designated for carriages and horseback riders, typically belonging to the wealthier classes. On the other hand, pedestrians, who were often less affluent, stuck to the right side. To promote better traffic flow and eliminate class distinctions, everyone was encouraged to use the same side of the road.
During that time, the upper classes probably didn't object to this change. Being viewed as aristocratic was no longer fashionable and actually posed a risk to their safety, especially considering the threat of guillotines.
A street in Stockholm, Sweden, at 5 am. on September 3, 1967 when cars switched from left to right side driving.
A street in Stockholm, Sweden, at 5 am. on September 3, 1967 when cars switched from left to right side driving.
The French policy is believed to have spread during Napoleon Bonaparte's conquests in Europe. Evidence of this can be seen on a map of the Napoleonic empire in 1812.
One nation that was neither a subject nor ally of Napoleon was Sweden. Surprisingly, Sweden used to drive on the left side of the road until 1967, when drivers made a smooth transition to driving on the right side.
London Bridge in 1872 filled with horses, carriages and pedestrians. As early as 1756, rules were enacted in London to regulate lane traffic.
London Bridge was bustling with horses, carriages, and pedestrians in 1872. As far back as 1756, London had rules in place to control the flow of traffic in the lanes.
Britain took a different approach compared to France. Historian Lay suggests that this difference can be attributed to the types of transportation used in each country. In Britain, there were fewer large industrial wagons and more small carriages and individual horse riders. The horse riders in Britain preferred to stay to the left side of the road. This allowed them to keep their right hands free for greetings and, if necessary, for combat.
Hazardous driving
Whatever the reasons, there are sometimes real consequences to switching sides and there have been serious crashes.
William Van Tassel, AAA’s head of driver training, suggests drivers take extra precautions when driving on the opposite side of the road. One tip is to keep the radio off to help maintain focus on the road.
Van Tassel also recommends talking to yourself while driving on the other side, as it can help keep your attention on the road. For example, reminding yourself to make a tight left turn or to check for traffic from the right instead of the left can be helpful in staying alert.
Pedestrian crossings in London, England, in September 2009. People visiting from other countries might have to remember to look for traffic coming from the opposite direction than they're accustomed to. Avis gives out bracelets to remind car renters which side to take.
Pedestrian crossings in London, England, in September 2009. People visiting from other countries might have to remember to look for traffic coming from the opposite direction than they're accustomed to. Avis gives out bracelets to remind car renters which side to take.
When renting a car from Avis Budget Group for driving in the UK, rental agents always make a point to remind customers about the importance of driving on the left side of the road. In addition to this crucial reminder, they also take other measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
Avis Budget stated that all their vehicles in the UK are equipped with 'Drive on the left' stickers. Additionally, they distribute Drive on the left wristbands in key locations, advising customers to wear them on their left wrist as a reminder to drive on the correct side of the road.
According to AAA's Van Tassel, it is advisable to have a passenger with you while driving in order to have an extra set of eyes on the road. This tip personally helped me during my own driving experiences in the UK, although I must admit I sometimes scared my passenger.
Editor's P/S:
The article provided a fascinating exploration into the history of driving practices, tracing the origins of left-side and right-side driving. It was particularly intriguing to learn about the role of the Conestoga wagon in shaping the tradition of right-side driving in the United States. Napoleon's influence on driving practices in Europe was also an eye-opening revelation.
This article not only satisfied my curiosity about the reasons for different driving practices around the world but also highlighted the potential hazards associated with changing sides. The safety tips provided by AAA's William Van Tassel are invaluable for drivers who find themselves navigating on the opposite side of the road. It's clear that understanding the history and cultural factors behind driving practices is not just a matter of trivia but can have practical implications for road safety.
