Why Do Drivers in the US Say...?

Ever wondered why drivers in the United States say they drive on the right, while many in Europe drive on the left?

Understanding the Global Driving Side Divide

The reasons for driving on the left or right are complex and steeped in history and culture. Only four countries in Europe, including the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Ireland, and Malta, drive on the left, while the vast majority of countries, including the United States, drive on the right. But did you know that one US territory drives on the left as well? The answer might surprise you.

The Territorial Difference: The U.S. Virgin Islands

One might think the reason for driving on the right is universal in the United States, but there is one notable exception – the U.S. Virgin Islands. Interestingly, this territory follows the left-hand driving rule. The U.S. Virgin Islands is unique because it retains the driving side that was used by Denmark, its former colonial power, before becoming part of the United States in the 20th century. This is just one of the many fascinating historical quirks of the United States.

Historical and Cultural Influences

Americans often point to their slower pace of change as the reason for their continued use of outdated systems such as feet and inches, miles per hour, and pounds. However, the question of why American drivers drive on the right can also be linked to historical and cultural influences. The United States, like the United Kingdom, has retained the traditional left-hand driving rule for a long time, dating back to before the Roman era.

Left-Hand Driving in the Past

In England, and many Commonwealth countries, driving on the left has a long and storied history, predating the founding of the United States. This tradition has been maintained across centuries due to the lack of compelling reasons to change it. Thus, one might say that the British and many Commonwealth countries drive on the correct side, i.e., the right side, so the question shouldn’t even be asked.

Fascinating Culinary and Cultural Claims

Some arguments suggest that driving on the right or left is related to culinary preferences. For instance, the hypothesis that British people prefer baked beans because it makes them seem less "weird" compared to the east side of the Atlantic, and Americans prefer grits to differentiate themselves from grit eaters. This culinary analogy does not hold water when considering actual driving habits and traffic safety. However, it adds a humorous and intriguing layer to the conversation.

Cultural and Historical Quirks

The contrasting eating habits of baked beans and grits serve as a metaphor for cultural differences. In reality, the issue of driving on the right or left has more to do with historical and practical reasons. When someone decides to drive on the right, it doesn’t imply the superiority of their driving habits. Instead, it reflects a different set of cultural and historical circumstances that led to the establishment and retention of a particular driving system.

Conclusion

While the reasons for driving on the left or right can be nuanced and multifaceted, the continued use of left-hand driving in the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands reflects a rich tapestry of history and culture. The driving side is a minor detail that underscores the broader understanding of cultural diversity and historical tradition. It’s important to remember that driving on the left or right is a matter of convention, not a measure of cultural or personal superiority.

So, the next time someone asks why Americans drive on the right, you can tell them it has nothing to do with baked beans vs. grits, and everything to do with historical and cultural reasons.