why do some countries drive on the left

Ah, the age-old mystery of left-side driving, a habit stubbornly clung to by a motley crew of nations. Historically, it boils down to safety and tradition: back in the days of swords and horses, most folks were right-handed, so riding on the left meant your sword arm was free to fend off ruffians. The British Empire, in its infinite colonial wisdom, exported this custom far and wide, which is why countries like Australia, India, and South Africa still keep left as their lane of choice.

Meanwhile, most of Europe and the Americas decided to switch lanes to the right, influenced by French and American practices during the 18th and 19th centuries. So, it’s less about logic and more about which empire's traffic laws your country fell under. Feel free to double-check government transport sources to ensure this little history nugget hasn’t been rewritten.