Why do some countries have right-hand drive vehicles?

Our planet hosts a rich diversity of cultures, ethnicities, traditions, and religions, which often raises a wide range of questions among its inhabitants. Due to these differences, what is considered traditional by some may seem strange to others. An example of this can be observed in the United Kingdom and some other countries, where vehicles have the steering wheel on the right side. Have you ever wondered the reason behind this?

This is one of the most common curiosities among people in this part of the world, as in Latin America it is common for the steering wheel to be on the left side.

"France shares the largest land border with Brazil thanks to French Guiana."

One theory that may provide a reason for this is that during the time of the Roman Empire, according to archaeologists, armies used to march on the left side of the road, and that tradition continued over the years.

Others say that the practice emerged in the Middle Ages, a time when knights were accustomed to participating in horse tournaments armed with their lances. As most knights were right-handed, this led them to mount the horse with their left hand, holding the weapon with their right hand to face the enemy.

This tradition in Europe was 'broken' with the arrival of the French Revolution, but it did not happen in the United Kingdom. The reason for this is that they imposed the system of driving on the right side and changing the orientation of the steering wheel, but it did not happen with the British nation, as Napoleon could not conquer that region.

Today, in the United Kingdom, vehicles still have right-hand drive because it is a law, and this system was adopted by colonies or territories under their influence, such as Australia, New Zealand, and others.