Why Does Traffic Drive on the Left in Japan and Thailand?

Direction of traffic flow in the world, countries Due to historical and cultural factors It may differ from time to time. In some countries, traffic flows on the right, in others it flows on the left. The most surprising of these countries are Japan and Thailand, located on the Asian continent.

In some countries where traffic flows on the left, being a British colony; It explains why traffic flows on the left, but has never been under British colonial rule in its history. Japan and Thailand, somehow he has fallen into this minority. Really, then why is their traffic flowing the wrong way?

The direction of traffic flow in Japan was actually determined partly by the influence of the samurai.

During the feudal period in Japan, which lasted from the 12th century to the 19th century samurai were the most powerful and respected class in the country. Samurai use swords on horses their right hands They had to use it. That’s why horse carriages and pedestrians preferred to drive on the left side of the road. Thus, their right hand remains free and a possible ready to attack they were happening.

It wasn’t just because they used swords on horses; in general samurai who carry their swords sheathed on their left side, He was always prepared so that his swords would not be stolen by someone else. In case of possible danger, he could draw his swords more easily and quickly with his right hand than with his left.

However, at the end of the 19th century, Japan Trade with Western countries When he started doing this, he didn’t think about changing the direction of traffic. Because of the country’s geographical location and isolated policy, very few foreign vehicles entered the country.

Also Japan’s first railway line By trains from England and was established with the help of British engineers. This was a factor that supported traffic flowing from the left. The left-hand flow of trains naturally caused vehicle traffic to flow in the same way, and the Japanese have used this preference in the past. Even if he doesn’t officially announce it adopted it as a rule.

So what was the reason behind Thailand’s choice? The answer to this question is a little different.

The reason for this situation is that, unlike Japan, emerged more recently. When automobiles became widespread at the beginning of the 20th century, Thailand had to determine the direction of traffic flow.

Country, was a kingdom then known as Siam and had close relations with England. Britain helped Thailand establish a railway line and sell automobiles. This caused Thailand to choose the direction of traffic from the left.

Thailand officially declared the direction of traffic from left in 1912. This decision affects Thailand’s neighbors It also affected countries such as Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar And these countries also determined the direction of traffic to be from the left.

What are the pros and cons of traffic flowing in the opposite direction?

From the driver’s perspective, in countries where traffic flows on the left, the steering wheel of the vehicles is on the right side. This is what drivers vehicles and pedestrians on the left side of the road It allows you to look better. Also, considering that most drivers can use their right hands betterthe steering wheel is on the right side It may cause faster reflexes in situations such as sudden breaking.

From a pedestrian perspective, it is safer to start on the right side of pedestrian crossings in countries where traffic flows on the left. Because so pedestrians, They can see oncoming vehicles better. In addition, considering that most pedestrians’ right eye is more dominant than their left eye, in these countries Since environmental control is done with the right eye The accident rate may decrease further.

Let’s talk about the disadvantages: in these countries vehicle rental or purchase transactions It may be more difficult. Because there are more countries in the world where traffic flows on the right, and vehicle manufacturers generally produce vehicles with the steering wheel on the left. This may cause vehicle availability and prices to be higher.

There may also be some difficulties for tourists traveling in these countries. Because tourists are used to the traffic in their own country driving a vehicle or they may have difficulty walking on the road as a pedestrian. this too accidents or penalties may cause.

We mentioned that only 35% of the countries in the world have left-hand traffic. So, what other familiar countries are on the list?

Here is the list of those countries:

• Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, United Kingdom, Indonesia, South Africa, India, Hong Kong, Ireland, England, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, TRNC, Maldives, Malaysia, Malta, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, New Zealand, Zambia and Zimbabwe

I have asked before: “Is the traffic flow of these countries reversed or ours?” We made a themed content:

So what do you think? Do you think it makes more sense for traffic to flow on the left or the right? Don’t forget to mention it in the comments.

If Far Eastern countries interest you, you can also take a look at our content below: