Is driving on the right or on the left in Malaysia? Countries with left-hand traffic

If on a world map we paint countries with left-hand and right-hand traffic in different colors, we will see that there are much more of the latter. Statistics speak about this: 66% of the population travels on the right side of the road, while the remaining 34% travel on the left.

It is interesting that in ancient times the situation was the opposite: left-hand traffic was mainly observed. It is known that throughout the Roman Empire, left-hand traffic was used, for which a lot of evidence has been found, ranging from ancient Roman images to studies of the ruts of ancient Roman roads. This can be explained by the fact that most people are right-handed, which means that, having caught up with a stranger on the road, in case of danger it was more convenient to grab a weapon with your right hand and immediately be ready for a skirmish. Probably, this rule, adopted for the movement of Roman troops, was soon taken up by other citizens of the empire. Imitating the Romans, driving on the left was used in most ancient states.

The modern division of the world into left-hand traffic (blue) and right-hand traffic

After the fall of the Roman Empire, some general norms that had previously regulated movement over a vast territory ceased to exist, so the physiological characteristics of a person came to the fore: for charioteers, most of whom were right-handed, it was more convenient to drive on the right side, so that on narrow roads When passing oncoming traffic, you can more confidently control horses with a strong hand, directing them to the side. Over the centuries, this habit has become established as a norm of social movement in many countries.

In 1776, the first traffic regulations were issued in Europe. The country that accepted it was Britain, which established on its territory... left-hand traffic. Historians are still arguing about what exactly caused this decision. Perhaps this was done in order to “separate” from the rest of the right-wing Europe, with the leading countries of which Britain was in confrontation. Or, perhaps, officials simply adopted the law from the army naval admiralty, which ordered oncoming ships of the English crown to diverge to starboard.

The introduction of left-hand traffic in a geographically small metropolis affected vast areas of the colonies of the British Empire, as well as allied countries. First of all, these are the territories of what is now India, Australia and Pakistan, where, by analogy with Britain, left-hand traffic is still used to this day.

On the other side was France with its allies, who began to use right-hand traffic. Legislatively in many European countries it was established during the time of Napoleon. As usual, the colonies of European states followed their center, which divided the world into two camps, the echoes of which we see to this day.

In Russia and neighboring countries, the rule of right-hand traffic developed spontaneously, and, interestingly, the country adopted the law on right-hand traffic earlier than European states - in 1756 during the reign of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna.

Illustration: depositphotos | lunamarina

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Even before the invention of the automobile, man noticed that following the general agreement to drive on one side of the road helps reduce vehicle collisions and traffic jams. After driving became common, most governments adopted an agreement that drivers drive on the right side of the road. However, some states, due to various characteristics, preferred driving on the left. More details about how many countries have made this decision and why can be found in our review material.

What influences the choice of destination in different countries

Today, a third of the world's population drives on the left, and almost as many of the world's highways are left-hand drive. Thus, driving on the right is used much more often. This is explained by historical traditions and the fact that most people on the planet are right-handed. Thus, when traveling in a horse-drawn carriage, the rider could quickly perform the maneuver of turning to the right (to, for example, avoid a collision with another carriage or a traveler on a narrow road) than to the left, since it is the right hand that is stronger and better developed.
Later, when horseless carriages operated by levers appeared, drivers also had to make considerable efforts to control them. It was better to control with my right hand. Most likely, it was this physiological feature that served as the reason for the fact that right-hand driving became traditional, and later standardized.

Important! Despite the assurances of right-hand drive supporters that driving on the left is safer, experts argue that the direction of movement in no way affects the number of accidents. Safety on highways can only be ensured by proper transport and strict adherence to traffic rules.

However, there are other versions that claim that moving along the left edge of the road appeared earlier (in particular, this is how people moved in the Roman Empire). And the first documented law that ordered citizens of the country to stick to the left was the bill passed in England in 1756. It talked about the norm of moving this way across London Bridge. The law also established a fine for violation - a pound of silver.
A quarter of a century later, in Britain, at the legislative level, it was prescribed to drive on the left side of all roads in the country. Later, since Great Britain became a colonial power, all its colonies also had to obey this law and switch to driving on the left. Thus, the tradition of such riding came to India, Pakistan and Australia, where the influence of England was very high.

If we talk about the factors that influenced the choice of direction of movement in Europe and the USA, then historians argue that France and its authority among the world community during the Napoleonic era played a huge role here. Thus, countries that supported the policy of the French emperor (in particular, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain) followed the French and legalized right-hand driving.

Those who did not share it and were in opposition to the head of France preferred to move to the left. We are talking about countries such as the UK already mentioned above, as well as Austria-Hungary and Portugal.
Historical traditions to influence the choice of direction of movement did not stop at the above countries. Next in line was Japan - the land of the rising sun. According to historians, samurai fastened their sword on their left side. And so as not to touch each other when racing on horses, they separated, turning to the right. The national rule of driving on the left was formed in the 18th century. And the Japanese finally approved it at the legislative level in 1927.

An interesting fact is that America was at first a supporter of “leftism,” but under the influence of the French general Marie-Joseph Lafayette in the 18th century, it preferred right-hand driving.

There are also a number of countries that, over time and probably under the influence of neighboring powers in the 20th century, replaced driving on the left with driving on the right. These include, in particular, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Korea, Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone.
The reverse transition - from left-hand drive to right-hand drive - was made by only 2 countries: Samoa and Mozambique. The first is because a significant number of used cars intended for right-hand driving were brought into the state. The second is under the influence of neighboring powers.

Did you know? The Swedes have been preparing to switch to driving on the right for 4 years. On September 3, 1967, at 4:50 a.m., traffic stopped, and from 5 a.m. all drivers moved to the other side of the highway. In Swedish history, this date is called “N-Day”: from Swedish.« högertrafik» - « right-hand traffic» .

How the direction influenced vehicle design

At the dawn of the automobile industry, there was no clear placement of the steering wheel on the left or right - cars were produced with different placements. However, over time, the tradition of placing the steering wheel on the left became entrenched - it was more convenient to disembark taxi passengers when driving on the right and more comfortable to see when overtaking.
In addition to the actual placement of the steering wheel and driver's seat, there are other structural differences in cars that are influenced by this fact. Thus, the design of the wipers responsible for cleaning the windshield is different. In left-hand drive cars, at rest they are folded to the right, in right-hand drive cars - to the left. The wiper switch on left-hand drive vehicles is located on the right side of the steering column.

As for the turn switches, today they are located the same in all cars (although until recently there were models where they were on the left).

It should be noted that manufacturers of modern cars for the mass consumer do not follow the lead of drivers who are accustomed to driving on the left, and in order to save costs, cars produce models with only one difference - the location of the driver's seat.
The remaining parameters for left-hand drive and right-hand drive cars are usually the same (with the exception of certain brands).

Did you know? Sports car manufacturer McLaren in 1992-1998 produced a model called McLaren F1, in which the steering wheel and driver's seat were located in the center of the cabin. From 1993 to 2005 it was the fastest car in the world.

List of countries with left-hand traffic, current for 2018

Below is a current list of countries where only left-hand traffic is legal.
Countries marked in green on the map - with right-hand traffic, yellow - with left-hand traffic

Europe

Among European states there are only 4 ardent representatives left with legalized left-hand driving:

• Great Britain;
• Malta;
• Ireland;
• Cyprus.

Asia

There are quite a few countries in Asia where people drive on the left side of roads. These include:

• Bangladesh;
• Brunei;
• India;
• Indonesia
• Japan;
• Malaysia;
• Maldives;
• Nepal;
• Pakistan;
• Singapore;
• Thailand;
• Sri Lanka;
• East Timor.

Africa

On the African continent, as well as in Asia, there are 13 powers and island states that adhere to the “leftism” when traveling by car.
Among them are:

• Botswana;
• Kenya;
• Lesotho;
• Mauritius;
• Mozambique;
• Namibia;
• Seychelles;
• Republic of South Africa;
• Swaziland;
• Tanzania;
• Uganda;
• Zambia;
• Zimbabwe.

South America

On the South American continent, the vast majority of countries have rules that require keeping to the right when driving cars.
And only 2 countries prefer to drive on the left side of the road:

• Suriname.

Important! If a person going on a trip plans to travel to other countries in his own car or rent a car, then he needs to first become familiar with the direction of travel in the areas he is going to visit.

Oceania

Among the states and islands of Oceania, the left side is followed when driving on highways:

• Australia;
• Fiji;
• Republic of Kiribati;
• Republic of Nauru;
• New Zealand;
• Papua New Guinea;
• Samoa;
• Solomon islands;
• Kingdom of Tonga;
• Tuvalu.

In addition, people drive on the left edge of the road in the Bahamas, the Lesser Antilles: Antigua, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent, as well as in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Virgin Islands, Saint Lucia and Jamaica.
Thus, various historical reasons influenced which half of the road people travel along in a particular country in the world. Residents of 53 countries stick to the left side of traffic on roads. Driving on the right is considered traditional. Accordingly, much more left-hand drive cars are produced. If a person plans to travel to another state by car, then he definitely needs to familiarize himself with the traffic rules in force on his territory. Switching to the “opposite” steering wheel is not easy - you also need to change the road signs.

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Traffic rules arose a long time ago. And, as you know, there are now two types of roads all over the world, with right-hand and left-hand traffic. For most people, driving on the right is closer and more natural, since almost everyone is right-handed by nature.

History of left-hand traffic

The preferences and choices for countries are based on established habits, mentality of the population and historical characteristics.

Even in ancient times, when there were carriages and horsemen, the road was divided into right and left sides. It was better for the carts to stick to the left roads, as well as riders. When swinging the whip with your right hand, there was no need to be afraid of hitting any of the passers-by walking along the road.

In modern times, driving on the right is more acceptable for most countries. But there are also a number of countries that prefer driving on the left. This Ireland, UK, Thailand, Japan, Australia, Malta, Barbados, Brunei, India. If you look at it in percentage terms, then up to 35% of all road routes planets prefer left-hand movement. More 66% of the world's population drives on the right side. More than 72% of all roads are based on right-hand traffic. As you can see, most people on the Planet prefer left-hand drive.

There are countries that, for their own reasons and greater comfort, have changed the left side to the right, this Nigeria and Sweden. But Samoa changed direction in the opposite direction. Ukraine, as well as the CIS countries, also adhere to right-hand traffic.

Why do some countries prefer the left side? Let's take the UK for example. It is known from history that in 1776 a law was passed according to which it was allowed to move across London Bridge only on the left side. This was the reason for the order of left-hand traffic, which still exists today. Great Britain was the first country in Western Europe to officially adopt driving on the left and influenced several other countries.

History of steering wheel position

As a rule, in all cars, the driver's seat is located on the side of the oncoming traffic. In countries with right-hand traffic, it is on the left. In places where left-hand traffic is used, the driver's seat is on the right.

Right-hand drive and right-hand traffic existed in European countries until the end of World War II. For example, in Russia and the countries of the USSR until 1932, all cars were produced with right-hand drive. Why did everything change later? Everyone knows the name of the designer Henry Ford, after whom a popular car brand is named.

It was the car that was first produced with left-hand drive. This model was in production from 1907 to 1927. Now it can be seen in the museum. Before this, all cars in America were produced with right-hand drive. The reason for placing the steering wheel on the left side was very simple - Henry Ford designed this car with frequent commuters in mind..

This was much more convenient, and he placed the gearbox not on the outside of the car, but on the steering column. So gradually, with the advent of American cars in Europe, the traffic system began to change, and many countries gave preference to left-hand drive, due to convenience and rationality.

The situation in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, Australia

Most European countries prefer to drive on the right. Ireland and the UK drive on the left. This also applies to some countries - British colonies, for example Australia, India.

In Africa, right-hand drive was changed to left-hand drive. British Colonies, Ganna, Gambia, Nigeria and Sierra - Leone. But Mozambique gave preference to left-hand drive, due to its proximity to countries - British colonies.

Korea (South and North) changed from right hand drive to left hand drive after the end of Japanese rule, in 1946. In the USA they drive on the right hand side. Previously, until the end of the 18th century in the United States of America, driving was on the left, but then it changed to right-hand drive.

In North America, some countries use left-hand drive - this is Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda. As for Asian countries, the list is significant: Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Cyprus, Macau, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, Brunei, Bhutan, East Timor.

Australia has inherited driving on the left since the British colonies.. Currently in Australia they drive on the left and drive on the right.

The main differences between right- and left-hand traffic

The difference between left- and right-hand traffic lies in the location of the steering wheel and the driving principle. Drivers who, for example, are used to driving in a country with left-hand traffic will find it a little difficult adapt to some nuances of right-hand traffic. If, for example, a traveler rents a car in a country with excellent traffic, then he needs to adapt a little and get used to this principle. In general, there is no significant difference. But there are nuances.

An interesting fact is that not only the car movement system developed in this direction. Railway traffic also has the same rules. Rail traffic throughout Europe is characterized by driving on the left, but cars in most European countries drive on the right.

Actually, the difference between left and right movement is that the whole process occurs in reverse. (in one case - from left to right, and from right to left) This concerns driving, crossings, driving rules. Everything is exactly the same only in reverse order. Like a mirror image.

Disadvantages and advantages of driving on the left

Most people agree that driving on the right is more convenient for people, even from purely physiological reasons. After all, many people are right-handed. Why do some countries still prefer driving on the left? It is difficult to answer this question with precision. Maybe, this is how it happened historically, such as in the UK.

Driving on the left has one important advantage: right handicap rule. In England, where people prefer to drive on the left, roundabouts movement occurs clockwise, not at all like ours. This means that all entrances to the roundabout allow access to all those who are already on the roundabout. Therefore, most intersections in the UK look like small squares where there is no need to install traffic lights.

This saves time. It is very convenient and comfortable. The movement is clear and logical. Most maneuvers on the road do not occur through oncoming traffic. This is much safer and more convenient for the driver.

Some motorists believe that the principle of driving on the left is much more logical and absolutely consistent with correct common sense. However, Due to mentality and historical characteristics, this is not suitable for all people. Therefore, it is impossible to talk about any specific disadvantages and advantages. After all, everything is relative and can be used depending on personal preferences.

To understand where the division of automobile traffic on the roads of the world into left-hand and right-hand came from, you should plunge into history. In ancient times, traffic was mainly on the left. This can be explained by the fact that most people are right-handed. If the rider encountered dangerous strangers on the road, it was easier to grab the weapon with his right hand and immediately be ready for a skirmish. This is what they believed in Ancient Rome. Probably, this rule for the movement of Roman troops began to be observed by ordinary citizens of the empire. Many ancient states followed the Roman example.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, human physiological characteristics came to the fore. Again, the question concerned the convenience for right-handers. When driving a cart on narrow roads, it was more convenient for the driver to ride on the right side in order to confidently control the horses with a strong hand, directing them to the side when meeting another cart. Over the centuries, this style of travel has become the norm in many countries.

In 1776, the first traffic regulations were issued in Europe. Great Britain was the first to adopt it, establishing left-hand traffic on its territory. What prompted this decision is still unknown. Probably the country wanted to stand out from the rest of the mainland. The introduction of left-hand traffic throughout the vast territories of the colonies of the British Empire, as well as allied countries. Today these include what is now India, Australia and Pakistan. And on the mainland at that time there was magnificent France with allies who began to use right-hand traffic. Here, too, the colonies of the European state followed their center. As a result, the world was divided into two camps. We see the consequences of such a “division” to this day.

Today, driving on the right is more comfortable and most countries adhere to it, exceptions are: Great Britain, Ireland, Malta, Brunei, Barbados, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, India, Australia.

By the way, the history of adopting the left side for driving in Japan is strange. Its roots go back to the heyday of the samurai. The valiant warriors at that time rode on horses with swords on their left sides. The famous katana was tucked into the belt, so the sword simply stuck out in the left side, protruding half a meter! Apparently, fearing that their swords would get caught and thus provoke a fight, the samurai began to use the principle of left-hand movement. In the years 1603-1867, a tradition was established instructing everyone who was heading towards the capital to keep to the left. It is possible that this system of movement has since become a habit among the Japanese and has become a general rule over time. And in the mid-19th century, Japan was forced to open up to the world. The Japanese, of course, began to borrow everything from the West. It all started with the first steam locomotives, which the Asians borrowed from the British, who drove on the left. The first horse-drawn trams also ran on the left side of the road.

How is left-hand traffic different from right-hand traffic and what are the advantages of each side? Both types of movement require different vehicle designs. For right-hand drive cars, the driver's seat and steering wheel are located on the left; for left-hand drive cars, the driver's seat and steering wheel are located on the right. The location of the windshield wipers varies. But the arrangement of the pedals in the order of clutch, brake, gas has today become the standard for right-hand drive cars, although it was originally intended for left-hand drive cars. It is worth noting that driving on the left is safer for right-hand drive cars. In a collision, the impact falls on the left side and the driver is less likely to be injured. Right-hand drive cars are stolen much less often. The right-hand drive allows the driver to get out of the car not onto the roadway, but onto the sidewalk, which is much safer. But overtaking on the road in a right-hand drive car is inconvenient.