History of right-hand and left-hand traffic. Why do people drive on the left in England?

Which countries in the world drive on the left side of the road?

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Bermuda
Butane
Botswana
Brunei
Cocos Islands
Cook Islands
Cyprus
Dominica
East Timor (right-hand traffic 1928-1976)
Falkland Islands
Fiji
Grenada
Guyana
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Jamaica
Japan
Kenya
Kiribati
Lesotho
Macau
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Mauritius
Montserrat
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
New Zealand
Norfolk
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Pitcairn
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon islands
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Suriname
Swaziland
Tanzania
Thailand
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Uganda
Great Britain
British Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands
Zambia
Zimbabwe

P.S. We can be grateful to Great Britain for the fact that we drive on the left. England is located on islands, and the sea route was once the only way for its inhabitants to communicate with residents of other countries. There was always a huge concentration of ships in the ports, and they often collided. To restore order, the maritime department issued a decree, the essence of which boiled down to the rule “keep to the left.”

That is, the ships had to let oncoming ships pass on the right. Gradually, this principle began to be followed in the overland movement of carts and carriages.
And with the advent of the automobile, the well-known conservatism of the British played a role - they did not change anything in relation to automobile traffic.
Subsequently, the rule extended to all countries under British influence, including India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Japan, Thailand, Great Britain, Kenya, Nepal, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, Jamaica, Maldives, Bahamas, Cyprus.

Countries that changed the movement:
At various times, many countries adopted left-hand traffic, but due to the inconvenience associated with the fact that the neighbors of these countries had right-hand traffic, they switched to right-hand traffic. The most famous day in history was H-Day in Sweden, when the country switched from driving on the left to driving on the right.

The former British colonies in Africa Sierra Leone, Gambia, Nigeria and Ghana also changed from right-hand drive to left-hand drive due to their proximity to countries of former French colonies that drive on the right. Conversely, the former Portuguese colony of Mozambique changed from left-hand drive to right-hand drive due to its proximity to former British colonies. North Korea and South Korea switched from driving on the left to driving on the right in 1946, after the end of the Japanese occupation.

If you color in on a world map different colors countries with left-hand and right-hand traffic, then we will see that there are much more of the latter. Statistics speak about this: 66% of the population travels on the right side of the road, while the remaining 34% travel on the left.

It is interesting that in ancient times the situation was the opposite: left-hand traffic was mainly observed. It is known that throughout the Roman Empire, left-hand traffic was used, for which a lot of evidence has been found, ranging from ancient Roman images to studies of the ruts of ancient Roman roads. This can be explained by the fact that most people are right-handed, which means that, having caught up with a stranger on the road, in case of danger it was more convenient to draw a weapon right hand and immediately be ready for a skirmish. Probably, this rule, adopted for the movement of Roman troops, was soon taken up by other citizens of the empire. Imitating the Romans, driving on the left was used in most ancient states.

The modern division of the world into left-hand traffic (blue) and right-hand traffic

After the fall of the Roman Empire, some general norms that had previously regulated movement over a vast territory ceased to exist, so the physiological characteristics of a person came to the fore: for charioteers, most of whom were right-handed, it was more convenient to drive on the right side, so that on narrow roads When passing oncoming traffic, you can more confidently control horses with a strong hand, directing them to the side. Over the centuries, this habit has become established as the norm. social movement in many countries.

In 1776, the first traffic regulations were issued in Europe. The country that accepted it was Britain, which established on its territory... left-hand traffic. Historians are still arguing about what exactly caused this decision. Perhaps this was done in order to “separate” from the rest of the right-wing Europe, with the leading countries of which Britain was in confrontation. Or, perhaps, officials simply adopted the law from the army naval admiralty, which ordered oncoming ships of the English crown to diverge to starboard.

The introduction of left-hand traffic in a geographically small metropolis affected vast areas of the colonies of the British Empire, as well as allied countries. First of all, these are the territories of what is now India, Australia and Pakistan, where, by analogy with Britain, left-hand traffic is still used to this day.

September 3, 1962 - Sweden switched to right-hand traffic. On that day, terrible confusion arose on the streets of Swedish cities.

On the other side was France with its allies, who began to use right-hand traffic. Legislatively in many European countries it was established during the time of Napoleon. As usual, the colonies of European states followed their center, which divided the world into two camps, the echoes of which we see to this day.

In Russia and neighboring countries, the rule of right-hand traffic developed spontaneously, and, interestingly, the country adopted the law on right-hand traffic earlier than European states - in 1756 during the reign of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna.

Illustration: depositphotos | lunamarina

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If there were no England, there would be no right-hand drive. The legitimacy of this statement has been debated in automotive circles for decades.

AiF.ru tried to figure out why the left-hand traffic pattern took root in Great Britain and how this affected other countries of the world.

Why is it common to drive on the left side of the road in England?

The rule of driving on the left side of the road was legislated by the English authorities in 1756. For violation of the bill there was an impressive fine - a pound of silver.

There are two main versions that explain why in the middle of the 18th century England chose to drive on the left.

Roman version

IN Ancient Rome Stick to driving on the left. This approach was explained by the fact that the legionnaires held weapons in their right hands. And therefore, in the event of an unexpected meeting with the enemy, it was more profitable for them to be on the left side of the road. The enemy thus fell directly into the chopping hand. After the Romans conquered the British Isles in 45 AD, "leftism" may have spread to England. This version is supported by the results of archaeological expeditions. In 1998, a Roman quarry was excavated in Wiltshire in southwest England, near which the left track was broken more than the right.

Marine version

Previously, the British could only get to Europe by water. Therefore, maritime traditions have become firmly entrenched in the culture of this people. In the old days, English ships had to pass on the left side of an oncoming ship. Subsequently, this custom could spread to roads.

Modern international shipping rules stipulate right-hand traffic.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

How did English “leftism” spread throughout the world?

Most left-hand drive countries have chosen this particular traffic pattern due to the following circumstances:

Colonial factor.

Even in the middle of the last century, Great Britain was an empire on which the sun never set. Most of the former colonies scattered around the world decided to continue driving on the left after gaining independence.

Political factor.

During the Great French Revolution a decree was issued, which ordered all residents of the republic to move on the “common” right side of the road. When did he come to power? Napoleon Bonaparte, the traffic pattern became a policy argument. In those states that supported Napoleon - Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain - right-hand traffic was established. On the other hand, those who opposed France: Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, Portugal turned out to be “leftists”. Subsequently, left-hand traffic in these three countries was preserved only in the United Kingdom.

Political friendship with Great Britain contributed to the introduction of “leftism” on the roads in Japan: in 1859 Queen Victoria's Ambassador Sir Rutherford Alcock convinced the authorities of the island state to accept driving on the left.

When did right-hand traffic become established in Russia?

In Russia, the rules for right-hand traffic developed back in the Middle Ages. Danish envoy to Peter I Just Yul in 1709 he wrote that “in Russian Empire Everywhere it is customary for carts and sleighs, when meeting each other, to pass each other, keeping to the right side.” In 1752 Empress Elizaveta Petrovna enshrined this norm in law by issuing a decree on the introduction of right-hand traffic for carriages and cab drivers on the streets of the empire’s cities.

Countries that changed traffic

History knows many examples when countries switched from one traffic pattern to another. States did this for the following reasons:

“To spite yesterday’s occupiers”

The United States switched to driving on the right side of the road after declaring independence from Great Britain in 1776.

Korea switched to driving on the right after the end of the Japanese occupation in 1946.

Geographic feasibility

Many former British colonies in Africa switched to driving on the right in the mid-1960s and early 1970s. Sierra Leone, Gambia, Nigeria and Ghana did this for convenience: they were surrounded by “right-riding” former French colonies.

Sweden is the last country in Europe to change direction. In 1967, the so-called H-Day took place there, when all the cars in the kingdom changed lanes. The reason for the transition to “law” lay not only in geography, but also in economics. Most of the countries where Swedish-made cars were sold used left-hand drive.

Swedish "H" day. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org

In 2009, Samoa switched to driving on the left. This was due to the large number of used right-hand drive cars being imported into the country from Australia and New Zealand.

"Left" exceptions

In right-leaning countries there is room for left-wing exceptions. So, on the small street of General Lemonnier (350 meters long) in Paris, people move on the left side. There are small areas with left-hand traffic in Odessa (Vysoky Lane), in Moscow (passage on Leskova Street), in St. Petersburg (embankment of the Fontanka River) and in Vladivostok (Semyonovskaya Street on the section from Aleutskaya Street to the intersection with Okeansky Prospekt, as well as on Mordovtseva street).

Which movement is safer?

According to experts, which side you are driving on does not affect the degree of traffic safety - it is just a matter of habit.

Countries with left-hand traffic

The global ratio of right-hand to left-hand roads is 72% and 28%, with 66% of the world's drivers driving on the right side and 34% driving on the left.

North America

Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Jamaica

South America

Guyana
Suriname

Great Britain
Ireland
Malta

Bangladesh
Brunei
Butane
East Timor
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Macau
Malaysia
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Singapore
Thailand
Sri Lanka
Japan

Botswana
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Kenya
Lesotho
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Seychelles
Swaziland
Tanzania
Uganda

Australia
Kiribati
Nauru
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Tonga
Fiji

The existence of right- and left-hand traffic for decades has been adding work to automakers and headaches for drivers who are forced to drive on the “wrong” side while on vacation or on a business trip. And it turns out that horses are to blame for this duality that still exists.

As you might guess, right-hand traffic is no worse or better than left-hand traffic - as long as both cars and road infrastructure are fully adapted to it. Beginner English or Australian drivers get used to the road no slower or faster than German and Russian "dummies". Maybe that’s why all the countries of the world can’t come to a single option for so long - and for example, the small state of Samoa in Oceania switched from a right-hand option to a left-hand one just over five years ago. The fact is that a hundred years ago Samoa was a German colony and when roads were laid, right-hand traffic, which was familiar to the Germans, was introduced - however, it is more convenient to transport cars to the islands from Australia and New Zealand, where the vast majority of them are “right-handed”. Therefore, in the fall of 2009, the local prime minister gave the country the command to drive on the other side of the road.
But if two movement patterns are equally good (or equally bad) - how then was the choice made? Did our ancestors at some point simply flip a coin up? Not at all.
At the end of the last century, archaeologists carried out excavations on the territory of a quarry from ancient Roman times and discovered the road to it. Based on the fact that on one side the track was noticeably deeper than on the other (the reason for which was the difference in weight between an empty and loaded cart), experts concluded that left-hand traffic was accepted on the territory of this ancient “enterprise”. A number of other finds confirm this conclusion: in ancient times, people clearly preferred to move on the left side.

To the jockeys driving the most luxurious carriage available to the British royal family, there is no need to squeeze anywhere: no other vehicle will simply be allowed onto the streets along which the crew must pass.

The fact is that for a motorist there is no fundamental difference which way to pass. But thousands of years ago, the most popular means of transportation on land was the horse, but for the rider or the coachman driving the cart, there is already a difference. Most people are right-handed, and prefer to mount the horse on the left side, and hold a weapon or, for example, a whip in the right hand. It was because of this that the riders, for example, preferred to disperse with their right sides - in order to be in a more convenient position in case of an attack. And it was more convenient for the coachmen to drive on the left, so that the whip had less chance of catching on bushes or a hedge at the edge of the road - or catching someone walking along the side of the road.
Thus, driving on the left looks more familiar and natural - but who then came up with the idea of taking the other side of the road? A number of historians believe that multi-horse teams, where the driver sat not on a carriage or cart, but directly on one of the horses, are to blame for everything. It was most comfortable for the coachman to ride on the left rear horse - however, in this case, he did not “feel the dimensions” of the carriage very well when passing oncoming carts. Therefore, both the luxurious carriages of the nobility (the “six hundredth Mercedes” of their time) and the heavy cargo carts (which were more expensive to collide with) began to stick to the right side. Over time, those who drove less cumbersome and prestigious carriages also acquired the habit of driving on the right. As a result, in the 18th century, the right-hand traffic pattern was officially established in many European countries: for example, in France this was done in 1794, and in Russia even earlier, in 1752, by decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna.

If there were no England, there would be no right-hand drive. The legitimacy of this statement has been debated in automotive circles for decades.

Let's try to figure out why the left-hand traffic pattern took root in Great Britain and how this affected other countries of the world.

The rule of driving on the left side of the road was legislated by the English authorities in 1756. For violation of the bill there was an impressive fine - a pound of silver.
There are two main versions that explain why in the middle of the 18th century England chose to drive on the left.

Roman version

In Ancient Rome, people drove on the left. This approach was explained by the fact that the legionnaires held weapons in their right hands. And therefore, in the event of an unexpected meeting with the enemy, it was more profitable for them to be on the left side of the road. The enemy thus fell directly into the chopping hand. After the Romans conquered the British Isles in 45 AD, "leftism" may have spread to England. This version is supported by the results of archaeological expeditions. In 1998, a Roman quarry was excavated in Wiltshire in southwest England, near which the left track was broken more than the right.

Marine version

Modern international shipping rules stipulate right-hand traffic.

How did English “leftism” spread throughout the world?

Most left-hand drive countries have chosen this particular traffic pattern due to the following circumstances:

Colonial factor

Political factor

During the Great French Revolution, a decree was issued which ordered all residents of the republic to move on the “common” right side of the road. When Napoleon Bonaparte came to power, the movement pattern turned into a political argument. In those states that supported Napoleon - Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain - right-hand traffic was established. On the other hand, those who opposed France: Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, Portugal turned out to be “leftists”. Subsequently, left-hand traffic in these three countries was preserved only in the United Kingdom.

Political friendship with Great Britain contributed to the introduction of “leftism” on the roads in Japan: in 1859, Queen Victoria's ambassador, Sir Rutherford Alcock, convinced the authorities of the island state to accept driving on the left.

When did right-hand traffic become established in Russia?

In Russia, the rules for right-hand traffic developed back in the Middle Ages. The Danish envoy to Peter I, Just Yul, wrote in 1709 that “in the Russian Empire, it is customary everywhere for carts and sleighs, when meeting each other, to pass each other, keeping to the right side.” In 1752, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna enshrined this norm into law by issuing a decree introducing right-hand traffic for carriages and cab drivers on the streets of the empire’s cities.

Left-hand traffic in Vladivostok

East is a delicate matter. A Far East- not clear at all):

As you've probably heard, two streets with left-hand traffic have appeared in the center of Vladivostok.

Due to the opening of the bridge across the Golden Horn Bay, the organization of traffic in the city center was changed, “in order to optimize traffic flow and eliminate the intersection of traffic flows.” Including on two streets it is very unusual - in fact, left-hand traffic was introduced there. But now right-hand drive cars look very harmonious on them.

Countries that changed traffic

History knows many examples when countries switched from one traffic pattern to another. States did this for the following reasons:

“To spite yesterday’s occupiers”

The United States switched to driving on the right side of the road after declaring independence from Great Britain in 1776.

Korea switched to driving on the right after the end of the Japanese occupation in 1946.

Geographic feasibility

Sweden is the last country in Europe to change direction. In 1967, the so-called H-Day* took place there, when all the cars in the kingdom changed lanes. The reason for the transition to “law” lay not only in geography, but also in economics. Most of the countries where Swedish-made cars were sold used left-hand drive.

In 2009, Samoa switched to driving on the left. This was due to the large number of used right-hand drive cars being imported into the country from Australia and New Zealand.

"Left" exceptions

Which movement is safer?

According to experts, which side you drive on does not affect the degree of traffic safety - it is just a matter of habit.

Countries with left-hand traffic

The global ratio of right-hand to left-hand roads is 72% and 28%, with 66% of the world's drivers driving on the right side and 34% driving on the left.

In North America

Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Jamaica

In South America

Guyana
Suriname
Europe

Great Britain
Ireland
Malta
Asia

Bangladesh
Brunei
Butane
East Timor
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Cyprus
Macau
Malaysia
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Singapore
Thailand
Sri Lanka
Japan
Africa

Botswana
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Kenya
Lesotho
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Seychelles
Swaziland
Tanzania
Uganda
South Africa
Oceania

Australia
Kiribati
Nauru
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Tonga
Fiji

Reading time: 7 minutes.

Humanity has long guessed: by agreeing on the direction of movement of cars, traffic jams and accidents can be greatly reduced. But today, more than a quarter of the world's roads belong to countries where cars drive on the left, and 34% of the world's population drive on the right. That is, it was not possible to reach an agreement.

The main differences between right- and left-hand traffic

Actually, the main discrepancy is in the “mirroring” of the process and the design of the machines.

The steering wheel with the driver's seat is on the left side of the car for right-hand traffic and vice versa. Of course, not without exceptions, such as the McLaren F1 supercar with a seat in the center.

The windshield wipers of different cars also work to improve the driver's visibility: on left-hand drive cars they are laid to the right and vice versa, the same with the location of the windshield wiper switch. There are symmetrical wipers, like, for example, some Mercs of the 90s.

Turn signal switches are often on the left, except in Australian and Japanese cars. And recently, right-hand drive cars for sale on the European market are equipped with switches comparable to left-hand drive ones, which is contrary to ergonomics, but not contrary to the manufacturer’s wallet. The rest are friendly with this very ergonomics and for the convenience of the driver, the left-hand drive turn signal is on the right, and the washer-cleaner and automatic transmission are on the left.

The car gear lever always separates the driver and passenger, or is mounted on a console in front of the eyes. The exception is modern Mercedes-Benz models or right-hand drive Ford GT40 MK1 with a right-hand gearbox.

Before World War II, the arrangement of the pedals for right-hand drive cars changed; now it is equal to the left-hand drive “clutch - brake - gas”.

The exhaust pipe is located along the center line: with right-hand traffic - on the left and vice versa, excluding Japanese “left-hand drive”.

The rest of the interior instruments are located for the driver's comfort, for example, the volume control of the radio corresponds to the side of the steering wheel. Except, of course, for cars for the EU: what is good for the manufacturer, is not so good for the driver. And everything complies with technical European standards.

Important! Single motorcycles for different directions of traffic do not differ in design. Strollers have mirrored pedals and a side trailer.

By the way, the location of the passenger doors of public transport corresponds to the direction of travel.

The canons of movement are obvious: when driving on the right, follow the right side, when driving on the left, follow the left. Changing lanes if necessary is not very difficult, although this is the main disadvantage of left lanes: there are few right-hand drive cars for them and drivers at first have to get used to the mirror process, including signs on the road. And overtaking in such a car is not the easiest thing.

Among the advantages is the reinforced, that is, safer design of right-hand drive cars: in an accident, the impact often falls on the left side. In addition, the driver goes onto the sidewalk, not the road. Also, according to statistics, these cars are stolen less often.

Choosing a destination in different countries

The history of traffic rules and steering wheel positions goes back to ancient times. Scientists believe that as early as 50 BC. cab drivers obeyed Caesar's code of rules: excavations of a Roman quarry indicate that carts drove on the left. In addition, on the denarius of the same year there are riders riding on the left side. For the latter, this side is all the more preferable - armed groups were constantly moving, holding a striking hand with a sword at the ready.

Right-hand traffic arose when walking around with a weapon ceased to be the norm and physiology began to play: it was easier for right-handers (of which the majority) to drive around, driving the cart with a strong, right hand. Gradually this became the norm.

It’s the same in Russia: at first, a side was chosen spontaneously and naturally. Later, in 1752, Empress Elizabeth by decree officially determined the movement on the right side.

In Japan, too, it all started with the samurai riders: carrying a katana in their belts, they stayed out of harm’s way and stuck to the left. In the years 1603-1867, traditionally those heading to the Japanese capital moved from the left, gradually spreading throughout the country.

In 1756, a bill was passed in the West regarding traffic on London Bridge - on the left. 20 years later, the “Road Act” introduced the left lane throughout the country, and later on railway tracks.

France is often associated with the beginning of right-hand traffic: in 1789 - a Paris decree, a little later - Napoleon approved this order. At the beginning of the 19th century, his supporters - the Spaniards, Germans, Dutch, Swiss, Italians and Poles - followed his example. While the opponents - the British, Austro-Hungarians, Portuguese - went over to the left. France later influenced others.

The same States: at the end of the 18th century, thanks to General M. J. Lafayette, they smoothly changed traffic to right-hand traffic, except for Canada (until 1920).

Countries that have changed traffic lanes

Not only the USA, many countries gradually changed the order of movement along various reasons.

The former British colonies in Africa - Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone - switched to the right-hand side: influenced by the proximity to the former French “ward” states.

Mozambique, on the contrary, moved to the left side of the road after Portuguese colonization because of its neighboring British colonies. Samoa did the same due to the dominance of used right-hand drive cars.

Korea changed the left lane in 1946, with the expiration of the Japanese occupation.

Okinawa in 1977, citing the Geneva Convention on traffic(where participating countries must have the same transport system) were moved to the left lane.

Czechoslovakia moved on the left side until 1938, since 1939, with the invasion and occupation of Hitler, it was transferred to the right.

Important! The most famous and last transition from left- to right-hand traffic occurred in Sweden. The N-Day reform took almost 5 years to prepare. And so, in the fall of 1967, all the cars stopped at 4:50 in the morning to change lanes within 10 minutes. There was considerable confusion. At first, due to the speed limit and simply unaccustomed drivers, almost paradise reigned on the roads - no accidents. However, everything soon returned to normal.

By the way, there are some deviations from the rules: in Odessa and St. Petersburg there are still left-hand streets for logistics during rush hours. There is one in Paris too: Avenue named after General Lemonnier.

List of countries with left-hand traffic

Today, 53 out of 193 countries drive on the left. For convenience, we will also include dependent territories in the list.

Countries of Europe

Great Britain;
Guernsey;
Jersey;
Ireland;
Malta;

Asia

Macao;
Bangladesh;
Brunei;
Butane;
East Timor;
Hong Kong;
India;
Indonesia;
Cyprus;
Cocos Islands;
Malaysia;
Maldives;
Nepal;
Christmas Island;
Cook Islands;
Pakistan;
Northern Cyprus;
Singapore;
Thailand;
Sri Lanka;
Japan.

Africa

Botswana;
Zambia;
Zimbabwe;
Kenya;
Lesotho;
Mauritius;
Malawi;
Mozambique;
Namibia;
Swaziland;
Islands of Tristan Da Cunha, St. Helena, Ascension;
Seychelles;
Tanzania;
Uganda;

South America

Guyana;
Suriname;
Falkland Islands.

Oceania

Australia;
Kiribati;
Nauru;
Niue;
New Zealand;
Norfolk;
Solomon and Cook Islands;
Papua New Guinea;
Pitcairn;
Samoa;
Tokelau;
Fiji.

In some “right-handed” countries, for various reasons, the left side is adopted. railways. And the only one in the world - Indonesia - has the opposite (influence of Holland).

At the junction of roads with different directions of traffic, points and junctions are built, sometimes simply huge. For example, a point between Laos and Thailand or the Takutu River Bridge with an interchange between Brazil and Guyana.

In mainland China, this is a bridge on the border with Hong Kong and a 2-level interchange at the Lotus Bridge with Macau.

Entering the country on the “non-compliant” side of the road is often legal. New Zealand requires a special permit; Slovakia does not register right-hand drive cars at all. Australia has banned left-hand drive vehicles: suppliers are required to convert them upon import.

Not long ago, Russia also almost began a global transition to right-hand drive - the import of Japanese used cars had an impact. But with the rise in living standards, the need for them disappeared, and new cars were supplied with left-hand drive.

One way or another, research on this topic confirms that the likelihood of an accident does not depend on the lane or steering wheel position. Safety on the road is only in the hands of the driver.