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LHD vs. RHD

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Brooklands

Brooklands

Yoda
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One of the questions I got yesterday, while trying to learn to be a decent docent at America On Wheels, was about the history of why some countries drive on the left and some on the right. The best theory I heard was that because of the the often combative relationship between France and England which ever one chose first, the other had to be the opposite.

Does this theory have any basis in fact, or is there a better answer?
 
I believe the linked article presents a reasonable explanation. As far as the difference between England and France, I would guess England set their rules in stone in 1756 legislating that horse travel over the London Bridge stay on the left.

And why the left. Most people are right handed, so to best present the sword or gun you would want to be on the left, other wise you would have to fend off a foe across your body.

<span style="text-decoration: line-through">
https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/445397/gonew/1/LHD_vs_RHD#UNREAD</span>

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving_on_the_left_or_right
 
One explanation, which always made sense to me, I heard as a child in England: wagons stayed to the left so a driver's whip, usually in his right hand, would not endanger pedestrians. This is mentioned briefly in the Wikipedia article, but no mention as to whether it is right or not.
 
There is also mention in some stories that it goes back to the roman days, for reasons Ray mentioned about swords. You would always want to be able to defend yourself as quickly as possible against someone coming the other way, so walk on the left side of the street.
 
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