Here’s why Americans drive on the right and the UK drives on the left | CNN
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Conestoga wagon was crucial to American trade and transportation. Developed by local carpenters and blacksmiths, these wagons were designed to carry goods to markets in Philadelphia, one of the largest cities in the colonies. The wagon drivers had a unique way of controlling the horses, using verbal commands and a leather ‘jerk line.’ Interestingly, the wagons were designed with controls on the left side, accommodating the predominantly right-handed drivers. This design influenced the positioning of the wagons on the roads, with the driver towards the middle and the wagon to the right.
The increase in trade between Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia led to the creation of America’s first major highway in 1795, the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike Road. This road mandated that all traffic stay to the right, a practice later adopted by New York in 1804 for all its roads and highways. While Henry Ford is often credited with standardizing US traffic on the right side of the road with his Model T in 1908, this practice was already in place long before.
However, the driving practices in Europe were influenced by different historical events. During the French Revolution, the government under Maximilien Robespierre dictated that everyone drive on the road’s right side. This policy was part of an effort to eliminate class distinctions, as the left side of the road was traditionally reserved for the wealthier classes. Napoleon further spread this policy throughout Europe during his conquests. Interestingly, Sweden, neither a subject nor an ally of Napoleon, continued to drive on the left until 1967.
On the other hand, Britain chose to drive on the left, possibly due to the prevalence of more miniature carriages and individual horse riders who preferred to keep their right hand towards oncoming traffic. This difference in driving practices can sometimes lead to confusion and accidents, especially for those unfamiliar. Companies like Avis Budget Group and AAA have developed strategies to help drivers adjust, such as reminder stickers and wristbands, and recommend having a passenger as an additional pair of eyes…………
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Rising Dough
Considering global business and marketing strategies, consider how multinational car rental companies like Avis Budget Group adapt their services and customer education in different countries based on local driving practices and regulations. How might these adaptations impact their business operations and marketing approaches?
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