Driving on the left or right

[graemer]

Why do countries differ over which side of the road to drive on? Is it proven that one side is safer than the other (If you know what I mean, not in the path of oncoming traffic!)

[VINNY100_2]

here graemer

[Dudley]

I cannot believe the advice from The Ministry of Transport on that website. ''�Visitors are informed that in the United Kingdom traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. In the interests of safety, you are advised to practise this in your country of origin for a week or two before driving in the UK�.

If that is not a wind up, how on earth could you practise it prior to leaving your own country. Please tell me it is (a wind up that is).

 

[wellhungjock]

I always practice driving on the right hand side before going on Holliday the kids get a bit animated on the way to school and the wife is suing for divorce but apart from that it�s a good idea.

[landie]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Motoring/Question84698.html

Previous answers to this question are here.

[graemer]

Thanks Vinny most informative site. Thanks too landie. I always check to see if a q's been asked but it didn't show up because it was called 'motoring question'. This shows up a problem really. Cheers all

[soozmac]

I did hear that Southern Ireland, being all European n stuff, was going to introduce driving on the right. But the Government was concerned that there would be a period of confusion, so they decided that they would introduce it in stages - firstly, the lorries would drive on the right. Then 4 weeks later, the buses, then later the cars.

Sorry, it's an old joke....

[Dudley]

I checked with the website Vinny100 suggested and they said it was in there for a joke. Well I fell for it.

[VINNY100_2]

I didnt want to upset you dudley.lol.so I get quiet.

[tubeway]

Originally everyone drove on the left - so pedestrians would not get horse whips across their faces. Napolean changed this to prove he was powerful - and most countries eventually followed

[landie]

Which, I think tubeway, agrees with my answer in the above thread. Can't remember where I got it from, where did you, as a matter of interest?

[graemer]

Landie the whipping theory is in Vinny's link but not Napolean stopping it to prove his power. (I think!)

[flaming]

Vinny100_2 :   (can't do green)  Thanks for a priceless link!  Haven't laughed aloud so much for ages.  The neighbouring flat occupants might wake up and think I've completely flipped.  People would have no trouble here in London as Red Ken has cleverly made it nigh impossible to drive anywhere what with 'no entry's ,congestion charge, traffic calming etc.  Car-drivers only get one lane most of the time so there's no right or left of the road. 

[tubeway]

The Irish are about to change to driving on the right - but to stop confusion they are going to phase it in - the lorries and busses will change - and the cars will follow a month later

[landie]

Sorry graemer, I meant the fact that it was Napoleon that first introduced it.

[soozmac]

Hey, TUBEWAY - get your own jokes! I posted that very same gag 2 days before you.

Tsk!