"Which Side of the Road?"

In about 75% of the countries in the world, people drive on the right side of the road. In the past, almost everybody traveled on the left side because that was the most sensible option for feudal, violent societies. Since most people are right-handed, swordsmen preferred to keep to the left in order to have their right arm nearer to an opponent, and their scabbard further from him.

In the late 1700s, however, teamsters in France and the United States began hauling farm products in big wagons pulled by several pairs of horses. These wagons had no driver's seat; instead the driver sat on the left rear horse, so he could keep his right arm free to lash the team. Since he was sitting on the left, he naturally wanted everybody to pass on the left so he could look down and make sure he kept clear of the oncoming wagon’s wheels. Therefore he kept to the right side of the road.

Interesting, huh? Consider it your "Random Thought of the Day"! ... [grin]

Have a great weekend all!
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:58 PM  I   I  0 comments