Head across the Channel, and almost everyone in Europe drives on the right. Fly across the Atlantic to the United States, and you’ll see the same thing. Motorists would be forgiven for thinking the UK is alone in the world when it comes to left-side road travel, but they’d be mistaken. It’s actually more common than you think.
Believe it or not, around 35% of the world’s population drives on the left-hand side of the road, with over 50 countries having the rule in place. From Hong Kong to Australia, Japan to the Seychelles.
Here are eight stunning nations that have the rule in place. It certainly makes it easier for those who want to rent a car and jump behind the wheel. A hassle-free road trip, anyone?
Japan
Japan traces its left-handed driving roots as far back as the 17th century. The story goes that samurai of the Edo period wore their swords on their left hips. Therefore, walking or riding on the left side stopped swords from clashing with fellow pedestrians.
Furthermore, this kept the dominant right hand free to draw a weapon at short notice. Exciting, right? Britain also helped Japan build its railways in the 1800s and it’s clear that some of this engineering advice filtered down to the roads. Left-side driving was formally put into law in 1924 and has remained ever since.
(Image: Getty)
Thailand
Thailand, formerly Siam, was never colonised. But instead, chose to follow the British left-hand driving trend.
The country was wedged between British Burma and British Malaya, so King Chulalongkorn chose to adopt left-hand driving to foster trade and integrate transport with the British Empire. The country still drives on the left today, ideal for a road trip to the iconic Mae Hong Son Loop, a legendary 600km trip starting and ending in Chiang Mai. Sign me up!
(Image: Getty)
