Have you ever wondered why drivers in Nigeria use the right side of the road, while people in countries such as the United Kingdom drive on the left? It is not a random decision. The difference comes from history, colonial influence and the way transport systems developed.
1. Britain kept left-side driving. The United Kingdom drives on the left, a tradition linked to older travel customs and later road regulations.
2. Nigeria drives on the right. Nigeria changed from left-side to right-side driving in 1972, following a similar pattern to several other former British colonies in West Africa.
3. The United States uses the right side. Right-side driving became established in the United States during the development of its road and transport systems.
4. Japan drives on the left. Japan’s left-side driving tradition is linked partly to historical transport practices and the development of its railway system under British influence.
5. Many former British territories still drive on the left. Countries such as Australia, India and Ghana also drive on the left, although not every former British territory follows this pattern.
6. The steering wheel changes position. In countries where people drive on the left, cars commonly have their steering wheels on the right. In right-driving countries, steering wheels are commonly on the left.
7. Changing sides requires careful planning. A country cannot simply change its driving side overnight without preparing road signs, traffic rules, public education and transport systems.
Final thoughts: The side of the road a country uses is part of its history. It also shows how decisions made generations ago can continue shaping everyday life today.
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