Right-Hand vs Left-Hand Traffic
Approximately 163 countries have right-hand drive traffic, while vehicles use the left-side in 76 countries. Most former British colonies, including Australia, South Africa, and Caribbean islands, as well as Japan, drive on the left. Europe generally drives on the right, except Cyprus, Ireland, Malta, and the UK.
Historical Reasons for Driving Sides
The practice of right-hand drive is linked to the ease of wielding a sword in the right hand when riding horses and allowed for mounting and dismounting horses from the left side. Wagon drivers traditionally whipped horses with their right hand, preferring to sit on the left.
Distribution of Driving Sides
Most French former colonies, including Central African Republic, Chad, and Gabon, drive on the right, as do some former British colonies like Nigeria and Ghana. Guyana and Suriname are the only South American countries to drive on the left.
In right-hand traffic, cars keep right and the steering wheel is on the left side of the car, with roundabouts turning clockwise. In contrast, in left-hand traffic, cars keep left and the steering wheel is on the right, with roundabouts going anti-clockwise.