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Have you ever wondered why in some countries the steering wheel of the car is on the right side? This peculiarity, known as the “English hand”, may seem strange to those who are used to driving on the left side.
But the origin of this practice dates back centuries and involves a series of historical and cultural factors. Check!
The practice of driving on the left side of the road has its origins in medieval Europe and the roots of the English hand can be found in the ancient practices of riding.
In most cultures, horsemen were predominantly right-handed. To have their right hand free to wield weapons or tools, they naturally positioned themselves to the left of their horses.
This practice extended to carriages and, later, to the first automobiles.
The spread of the English hand around the world is closely linked to the British Empire.
During the height of its expansion, Britain imposed its traffic rules on its colonies.
Countries such as Australia, India, New Zealand and South Africa, which were British colonies, still maintain this practice to this day.
A notable exception is Japan, which adopted the English hand under British influence, despite never having been a colony.
Some countries that initially adopted the English hand switched to the right-hand drive system.
Sweden, for example, made this transition in 1967 during an operation known as “Dagen H” (H-Day), where all vehicles stopped and changed sides simultaneously. This change required significant adjustments to the infrastructure and vehicles, such as relocating the headlights to avoid glare.
In the United States, the shift to the right was in part a declaration of independence from England.
In addition, the freight wagons, which were common at the time, had the coachman seated on the left to have a better view of the traffic, while the assistant, on the right, handled the whip.
This practice was transferred to automobiles when they were introduced.
Adapting vehicles to the English hand can be complex. It’s not just a matter of mirroring the original design; Components such as the handbrake and other internal mechanisms often need to be redesigned.
In regions where countries with different directions share borders, creative solutions are needed.
The Lotus Bridge, between Macau and mainland China, is an interesting example of infrastructure that facilitates the transition of vehicles from one system to the other.
Therefore, the English hand is more than a transit quirk; it reflects historical and cultural traditions that endure to this day.
While many countries have migrated to right-hand drive, the English hand continues to play a crucial role in many parts of the world, highlighting the diversity of global road regulations.
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