Introduction
If you are planning a trip to a foreign country, one of the things that you may need to prepare for is driving on the left side of the road. For people who are accustomed to driving on the right side, this can be a major adjustment and can even present a challenge.
In this article, we will explore the countries that drive on the left side of the road, discuss the reasons why they do it, and compare the benefits and challenges of left-side driving versus right-side driving. We will also provide some tips and advice for tourists who are planning to drive in left-side driving countries.
Driving on the Left: A Comprehensive List of Countries that Do It
Did you know that there are more than 70 countries in the world that drive on the left side of the road? In fact, some of the most popular travel destinations, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan, are left-side driving countries.
The reason why some countries drive on the left side of the road can be traced back to the horse-and-carriage era, where driving on the left was safer for both riders and drivers. Today, these countries have maintained this tradition and have built their entire infrastructure around left-side driving. Some of the other countries that drive on the left side of the road include:
- Indonesia
- India
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Zimbabwe
It is important to note that driving laws and regulations can vary widely between countries, even those that drive on the same side of the road. For example, in the United Kingdom, drivers sit on the right side of the car and drive on the left side of the road, while in Australia, drivers sit on the left side of the car and drive on the left side of the road.
How Driving on the Left Side of the Road Affects Tourism and Travel Planning
For tourists who are used to driving on the right side, switching to left-side driving can be a major challenge, and it can even deter them from traveling to certain destinations. Not only does this require a mental shift in navigation, but it can also take some time to retrain your body on how to operate the vehicle. This is especially true for manual vehicles, where the driver needs to shift gears with the opposite hand.
It is important to carefully consider these factors when planning a trip, and to make sure that you feel comfortable behind the wheel before embarking on any long drives. For tourists who still want to experience the thrill of driving in a left-side driving country, there are several tips and strategies that can help make the transition easier.
Tips and Advice for Tourists Who Are Planning to Drive in Left-Side Driving Countries
- Practice in a familiar environment: If possible, try practicing left-side driving in an area that you are familiar with before going abroad. This can help you get used to the feel of driving on the left side in a low-pressure setting.
- Choose an automatic transmission: If you have limited experience with manual transmissions, consider renting a car with an automatic transmission. This can help you focus on the road and navigating through traffic rather than worrying about shifting gears with your non-dominant hand.
- Use GPS navigation: In today’s technological age, it’s easy to rely on GPS navigation to guide you through unfamiliar terrain. Make sure to program your GPS with specific destinations and avoidations to help guide you through tricky roundabouts and intersections.
- Be patient: Remember that driving on the left is a major adjustment and can take some time to get used to. Give yourself plenty of time and space to navigate through unfamiliar territory, and remember to stay focused on the road.
Breaking Down the Reasons Why Some Countries Drive on the Left Side of the Road
Have you ever wondered why some countries drive on the left side of the road while the majority of the world drives on the right side? The answer to this question is rooted in history and cultural tradition.
Driving on the left side of the road originated in ancient Rome where it was more practical for right-handed warriors mounting horses to fight with their right hand and control the animal with their left. During the late 1700s, wagons and horse-drawn buggies were first built with drivers’ seats now positioned on the right-hand side in the pursuit of safer avenues for trade and transport. The theory went that if you were passing a wagon on the road, you would pass on the left-hand side, making it easier for you to keep your sword hand free.
Today, countries with a history of British colonialism such as Australia, India and South Africa drive on the left side of the road. Asian countries like Japan and Indonesia continue to drive on the left side as a result of Dutch colonialism.
The Evolution of Left-Handed Driving: A Brief History of How it Came to Be
With the advent of the automobile, left-side driving became the norm for most countries in the world. This was largely because the first cars were designed with left-side driver’s seats, which made it easier for drivers to see oncoming traffic and navigate through traffic. In the United States – right-side driving country – Henry Ford eventually made a push for right-side driving in order to expand onto foreign markets.
Today, many left-side driving countries have made various strides to eliminate concerns that plague those driving on opposite sides of the road. For example, in the United Kingdom and Japan, street signs and traffic lights have been positioned in easier-to-read ways that align with the side of the road you’re driving on, and car manufacturers have adapted their designs to accomodate right-side driver’s seats in left-side driving countries.
Left vs. Right: Comparing the Benefits and Challenges of Driving on Opposite Sides of the Road
Both left-side and right-side driving have their own unique benefits and challenges. For left-side driving countries, this can be a matter of tradition and adapting to what is comfortable and safe. For right-side driving countries, it can open the door to trade agreements and may free up resources that can be used towards other infrastructural needs.
According to studies, left-side driving has been shown to create lower vehicle accident fatality rates than right-side driving, especially when combined with unique traffic laws and regulations that promote safer driving.
Safety Concerns Associated with Left-Side Driving
One of the biggest concerns for left-side driving is the increased collision rate for those driving on the right-hand side of the vehicle. In standard right-side driving countries, drivers naturally check over their right shoulder before switching lanes or pulling out onto a busy street. This could make it more difficult for left-side drivers to navigate through traffic.
Another concern is that drivers may be more likely to make mistakes while operating their vehicles. This may be because drivers are not accustomed to operating a vehicle from the other side, which increases the chance of making minor errors while adjusting to the new position.
The Reasons Why Some People Prefer Left-Side Driving
Despite the challenges associated with left-side driving, some people simply prefer it. This may be because they are used to it or it may be because they feel that it is safer and more efficient for their needs.
Additionally, some people may feel that left-side driving gives them better visibility or more control over their vehicle. In countries where left-side driving is the norm, drivers have learned to navigate through traffic and obstacles on the left-hand side of the road, making it a natural choice for them.
Conclusion
Driving on the left side of the road can be a major adjustment for some people, but it is an important consideration for anyone planning to travel to a foreign country. In this article, we explored the reasons why some countries drive on the left side of the road, discussed the benefits and challenges of left-side driving, and provided some tips and advice for tourists who are planning to drive in left-side driving countries.
Remember to always take the time to learn about the specific laws and regulations in each country before getting behind the wheel, and to be patient and alert while navigating through unfamiliar territory.
We hope that you found this guide helpful and informative. Please feel free to share your own experiences or tips in the comments section below.