Left Hand Drive Driving Orientation – The Biggest Failure Of The British Empire

The British Empire was the most extensive empires in world history. Before World War I, at the peak of its power, the British Empire looked over a population of about 458 million people, or approximately 1/4 of both the world’s population and total land area. As a result, British influence remains strong throughout the world to this day. Everything from legal and governmental systems, militarily structure, sports (cricket, rugby, and football), and the English language itself are core elements of societies around the world.

But one thing that ultimately failed to catch on was the English’s preferred driving orientation, the left side of the road. Here’s why left hand drive driving orientation is the biggest failure of the British Empire.

Left Hand Drive vs Right Hand Drive Countries

This map shows both left hand drive countries and right hand drive countries (click on the image to zoom in). By the numbers, 165 countries and territories drive on the right-hand side of the road compared to only 75 countries and territories preferring the left. Furthermore, a massive majority of the world population, including China, Europe (except the UK) and the United States all drive on the right.

So what side of the road do most people drive on? Here’s a list of each country and its driving orientation:

Why Do Some Countries Drive On The Left Side Of The Road?

When comparing left-handed vs right-handed people, lefties are definitely the minority. 70-90% of the world’s population is right-handed. Thanks to right-handed instinct, it’s natural for most people to walk or drive on the right side of the road.

So why did the British choose the other side of the road? Swords. Since most people are right-handed, feudal societies, like early England, preferred to pass someone on the left so they could draw their sword with their right hand if necessary.

Left Hand Drive vs Right Hand Drive

So what side of the road do you drive on? Have you driven on both sides of the road? Which side do you prefer left hand drive or right hand drive? Please tell us in the comments below.

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