why do some countries drive on the right Page 3

Blame history, ego, and a dash of logistics. Britain kept left from the days when sword‑wielding riders preferred their right hand free, and the Empire spread that habit far and wide. Napoleon, never one for subtlety, pushed much of Europe to the right, partly to differentiate from Britain. In the US, big freight wagons had drivers perched on the left, making right‑side travel more sensible; later, left‑hand‑drive cars sealed the deal. Japan went left thanks to British‑influenced rail, while Australia stuck with the Empire’s lane choice because consistency beats chaos. So it’s less “who’s right?” and more “whose history shouted loudest where you live.”