All roads of the world are divided into two categories: 72% - right-hand, 28% - left-hand. On the basis of what does each country establish traffic rules for its territory? And also, what does medieval knights have to do with this? This question has many historical theories.
The influence of knights on the way of movement
Historians believe that during the Middle Ages there were no clear-cut rules regarding left-hand and right-hand traffic. People stayed on the left side of the simple because it was more convenient and safer. Apparently, such a habit originated in medieval Britain.
By the way, scientists do not know for sure how the movement was carried out earlier - in ancient Greece or Assyria. But there is evidence that the Romans preferred the left side.
Interesting fact: in 1998, a Roman quarry was discovered in England. Her left track was broken more than her right. Also on the ancient Roman coin with the image of the knights it can be seen that they are moving on the left side.
Warriors, whether Roman legionnaires or knights, held weapons in their right hand. In the left they often had a shield. Thus, moving on the left side of the road, travelers clearly saw each other, that in the hand of an approaching person, and in case of danger, they could quickly get weapons, engage in battle.
Similar rules were in effect when conducting knightly tournaments. Opponents rode towards each other, adhering to the left side. They held the shield on the left, the spear on the right, and at the point of collision, everyone tried to knock the opponent off the horse.
Historians consider the knightly tournament one of the factors that influenced the type of movement, although it was only a game. In real everyday conditions, movement on the road had its own characteristics. On the paths of the travelers, danger kept waiting in the form of robberies. Therefore, in the process of movement, they preferred the left side - so that there was room for maneuver, defense.
Most historians use this particular theory, associated with the habits of warriors, as the main reason for the emergence of left-hand movement. However, it is worth considering the fact that in any country there were other categories of the population that exceeded the number of soldiers. In this case, there are other factors that determine the method of driving on the road.
For example, while the knights moved on the left, the common people preferred right-hand traffic. So it was easier to give way to a warrior. In the future, this habit took root: nobility occupied the left lane, and "commoners" - the right.
In terms of movement of pedestrians, carriages, riders, etc. their rules acted. For example, pedestrians carrying loads on themselves moved on the right side. At the same time, they kept the luggage on the right shoulder and could easily miss each other.
Multi-seat crews preferred left-hand traffic, since the coachman was located on the right and, wielding a whip, he could not touch sitting passengers. At the same time, for the single-seat crew, the right side was more convenient - it was easier for the coachman to pull the reins with his right hand in order to leave with oncoming transport.
How was the movement established in different countries?
According to studies, 85-90% of people around the world more skillfully use the right hand, that is, they are right-handed. The rest are left-handed people, with the few exceptions of those who use both hands equally well. Since ancient times, this factor has been fundamental in choosing a method of transportation.
Great Britain is considered the founder of left-hand traffic. Similar rules were established in its colonies, dependent territories, namely, in India, Australia, and Pakistan.
Interesting fact: The first left-hand traffic law dates from 1756. This is an English bill governing left-hand traffic on the London Bridge. The offender had to pay a large sum at that time - a pound of silver.
It is noteworthy that the United States also adhered to the left side for some time. However, closer to the end of the 18th century, a transition to a new way of traveling was made. According to some reports, Marie-Joseph Lafayette (French politician) influenced this.
If Britain is associated with left-hand traffic, France has always favored the right side. Under her influence, this method of travel was established in other countries.For example, supporters of Napoleon (Germany, Poland, Holland and others) switched to the right-hand traffic.
In Japan, the left side of the movement is directly related to the samurai. They carried swords on their left side and were afraid that when they met, the travelers ’weapons would not cling to each other - a similar incident would entail a battle. For a long time, the country changed the type of movement. For example, under the influence of the occupying forces of America, the Japanese were forced to switch to the "right" side. And later they returned to their usual way of movement.
The knights preferred to move on the left side of the road, as it was more convenient and safer for them. Firstly, the weapon was always in the right hand, and in the left there could be a shield. This applies to both hiking and horseback riding. If necessary, you could quickly engage in battle with the enemy - there is enough space for maneuver. Secondly, moving to the left, travelers clearly saw each other. It is believed that it was the preferences of the knights that influenced the emergence of left-hand movement in Britain, and then in a number of other countries. But there are other versions related to the convenience of ordinary pedestrians, as well as crews.
