Among the numerous cultural differences we can
take in every time we go abroad, there is a fundamental one: left-hand traffic
vs. right-hand traffic.
Its origin goes way back in time. Starting with
the Roman Empire, the first infrastructures, such as stone-paved roads, were
built around 300 BC. According to archaeological evidence ancient Romans drove
their carts and chariots on the left in order to greet someone or to protect
themselves from any violent assault. Given that most people were right-handed,
circulating on the left side of the road meant holding the weapon with their
dominant hand and therefore assured them much more security.
700 years ago, in the Middle Ages, they
wouldn’t change the traffic system. Due to the brutal and cruel era they lived
in, they would hold their sword in the right hand to battle against a passing
opponent at any moment while riding their horse whipping it with their left
Two
horsemen battling with their sword, holding it in their right hand.
It wasn’t until the late 1700s, when Napoleon
Bonaparte conquered European countries and introduced a new law to “keep
right”. There are just speculations about this drastic change: some say the
fact that he was left-handed was the whole reason for it, whereas others
suppose that his tendency to change centuries-long traditions just to create a
whole new society and show his absolute power was the purpose behind the
Revolution.
Nevertheless, there are also scientists who
opine it was first and foremost a logical switch: owing to the invention of new
big wagons pulled by teams of horses. The driver of the wagons sat on the left
rear horse which allowed him to hold the rein and lash in his right hand. As a
natural result, oncoming traffic would pass on the left side to prevent any
clash between the two wagons.
While France went spreading their driving style
all over Europe, Britain exported theirs to their respective colonies. As a
consequence, nowadays there are still many former British territories such as
India, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, etc. driving on the
left.
Meanwhile, in the beginning of the 20th
century Henry Ford developed in America the automobile “Model T” which was
affordable to many of the middle class. With the steering-wheel on the left he
designed it to be driven on the right side of the road. Hence the founder of
the Ford Motor Company became one of the most influential individuals when it
comes to the rules of the road.
“Tin
Lizzie”, “Leaping Lena”, or “flivver” as they called the “Model-T” of Henry
Ford, 1910.
As I was reading people’s points of views on
the subject, I couldn’t make up my mind at first: is it really better to
maintain the two opposite traffic systems or wouldn’t a global one be more
favourable for all of us?
On one hand, in case of standardization, there
would be a certain loss of cultural property (just think about a London trip
without seeing their “look right”-marks on the streets). Furthermore, we have
to be aware of the financial costs this would imply for the concerned countries
and territories.
On the other hand, in general having unequal
systems (such as the metric calculating system) make globalization
harder and slower.
To sum up, personally I’m convinced that one of
the main reasons why they still drive on the left side is a question of money
and (British-)stubbornness. Moreover, I assume that sooner or later we will see
ourselves forced to adapt to a universal system if we don’t want to get in the
way of our rush of inventions.
Cheers and drive safely!
Patrizia Bucher EPD 11(Group 1)
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