Have you ever wondered why drivers in Nigeria keep to the right side of the road while people in countries such as the United Kingdom drive on the left? The difference may look strange to someone travelling abroad, but it has historical roots. Road rules developed differently in different parts of the world.
1. The tradition of travelling on the left: In earlier centuries, people travelling on horseback often preferred to keep to the left. Many were right-handed and wanted their right hand free when meeting strangers or defending themselves.
2. Britain helped spread left-side driving: The British developed and formalised left-side road rules. As the British Empire expanded, the practice spread to many territories under British administration.
3. Colonial history influenced some countries: Countries including Nigeria inherited many road and transport practices from British rule. Nigeria later changed to driving on the right in 1972.
4. France and other European countries developed different practices: Some European countries adopted right-side travel through their own historical and political developments. Napoleon’s influence is often associated with the spread of right-side traffic in parts of Europe.
5. Most countries now drive on the right: Today, most of the world’s countries and territories use right-hand traffic. However, a number of countries still drive on the left.
6. Changing sides is expensive: Switching a country from left-side to right-side driving requires changes to road signs, junctions, vehicle rules, public transport and driver education. It can be costly and complicated.
Final thoughts: The side of the road a country uses is not simply a matter of convenience. History, colonial influence and transport planning all played a role. When travelling abroad, always check the local driving rules because even experienced drivers can become confused when traffic moves in the opposite direction.
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