When did Canada switch to driving on the right side of the road?

British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces switched to the right in the 1920s in order to conform with the rest of Canada and the USA. Newfoundland drove on the left until 1947, and joined Canada in 1949. In Europe, the remaining left-driving countries switched one by one to driving on the right.

Why do the English drive on the wrong side of the road?

Have you ever wondered why the British drive on the left? There is an historical reason for this; it’s all to do with keeping your sword hand free! Most people are right-handed, so if a stranger passed by on the right of you, your right hand would be free to use your sword if required.

Why does the US drive on the right side of the road?

Drivers tended to sit on the right so they could ensure their buggy, wagon, or other vehicle didn’t run into a roadside ditch. Thus, most American cars produced before 1910 were made with right-side driver seating, although intended for right-side driving.

Why does Japan drive on the wrong side of the road?

Following Japan’s defeat during World War II, the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa came under American rule, which meant that the island was required to drive on the right. In 1978 once the area was returned to Japan, the drivers also returned to the left side of the road.

Do Canadians drive on the left or right?

Michael Jacobs read the question wrong! Canada is one of few Commonwealth countries that drives on the right. Belize is another. but several American territories like American Samoa and US VI drive on the left! Canadians did drive on the left until the 1920s.

Does it matter which side of the road you drive on?

It doesn’t matter which side of the road you drive on, as long as everybody drives on the same side. Originally, half the provinces drove on the left and half on the right.

Why do we drive on the left in the UK?

The British Government refused to give up their left-hand driving ways, and in 1773 introduced the General Highways Act, which encouraged driving on the left. This was later made law thanks to The Highway Act of 1835. Meanwhile post-revolution France, under their left-handed ruler Napoleon, embraced a permanent move to the right side of the road.

Which side of the road do British drivers drive on?

As recently as 1967 (and thanks to around $120 million from their government’s pocket) Swedish drivers began driving on the right. However British drivers remain on the left, and this is highly unlikely to change.