---
title: Why we drive on the left
date: "2000-08-14T12:00:00Z"
categories:
  - links
wp_id: 2095
description: I explore the historical origins of driving on the left, from medieval swordsmen protecting themselves to Napoleon’s influence on European roads. I investigate why conventions differ between countries and how American standards evolved over time.
keywords: [driving side, traffic history, left-hand traffic, napoleon, medieval customs, road standards]
---

Why do we drive on the left? The medieval nobility wielded their sword on the right (mostly), and rode on the left, so as to chop off oncoming horsemen. Peasants walked on the right to avoid the swords. While the New Scientist's [last word](http://www.newscientist.com/lastword/) reveals why [Napolean drove on the right](http://www.newscientist.com/lastword/answers/lwa1013mysteries.html), it's not clear why Americans do. Kevin Lowey has a [different opinion](http://duke.usask.ca/~lowey/brain/learned_today.html), though.