Why do the English drive on the left, when almost everyone else doesn't ?

In days of old logic dictated that when people passed each other on the road they should be in the best possible position to use their sword to protect themselves. As most people are right handed they therefore keep to their left. This practice was formalised in a Papal Edict by Pope Benefice around 1300AD who told all his pilgrims to keep to the left.

Nothing much changed until 1773 when an increase in horse traffic forced the UK Government to introduce the General Highways Act of 1773 which contained a keep left recommendation. This became a law as part of the Highways Bill in 1835.

Reasons to travel on the right are less clear but the generally accepted version of history is as follows: The French, being Catholics, followed Pope Boneface's edict but in the build up to the French Revolution in 1790 the French Aristocracy drove their carriages at great speed on the left hand side of the road, forcing the peasantry over to the right side for their own safety. Come the Revolution, instincts of self preservation resulted in the remains of the Aristocracy joining the peasants on the right hand side of the road. The first official record of this was a keep right rule introduced in Paris in 1794

Incorrect, the world proportion is about 50/50. Driving on the left has been proven as both ergonomically correct, and far safer. Given that most people are right handed, it makes sense to hold the wheel with your right and change with your left. Having your more dominant hand on the wheel ensures less accidents.

It started out in the days of walking. If you're right-handed and you see a foe coming, you'll draw your sword to fight him. This led to walking on the left-hand side of the road so as not to have to fight across one's body. American's rebelled against their British past; the answer to why Americans do most things is "Because the British do it the other way." And agreement on the "America isn't everyone else" statements.

I think the world is about 50/50 split

Not most, it is half half.

It started during the days of the knights in the shining armour, where they have to outdo each other using their lances. Each knights has to carry his lance in his right hand and so he rides on the left.

About a quarter of the world drives on the left.... there's a whole explanation as to why people drive on different sides...

http://users.pandora.be/worldstandards/driving%20o...

knock yourself out.

actually a LOT of european countries drive on the left not just the english

The story goes... so you can defend yourself with your right hand if necessary from your adversary who can also attack with his right hand ... as you pass each other ...

What a horrid thought ... people don't generally attack each other with their hands whilst driving nowadays... They generally use the car as a weapon...

Just joking !

;^)

Well, I'm Australian and we drive on the left here aswell....

America is NOT almost everyone else!