Driving on the CORRECT (Left) side of the road

[quinn@hns.com]

Travelling on the left was always the accepted state through the
last several hundred years.  It did, in theory, originate back in
medieval times (or before) as a mechanism whereby right-handed
soldiers (etc) could meet possible foes approaching with their
sword arms.  This was changed in Europe in the 19th century by
Napoleon who, being basically bloody-minded, decided to have his
men pass each other on the right (note: no malicious comments
about the French here please!).

In the US, there seemed to be no real rules about which side to travel
until fairly recently.  In fact, if you look at most American-made
(and other) early vintage cars, you'll see the steering wheel on the
right!  I have no idea when using the right hand side of the road was
made official in the U.S. (or why).  Anyone?

-Mark Quinn