Driving on the left side of the road

[@MrTimGJ]

The reason we don't drive on the right in the UK? - We weren't conquered by Napoleon! Horsemen had passed sword arm to sword arm since the dawning of time Due to the numbers of soldiers being attacked on the road, the Napoleonic edict went out to only pass with the sword arm furthest from each other. Why the US is on the right - very heavy French influence, since the War of Independence No right or wrong, just another quirk of history

[@fionagregory8078]

yes. Napoleon was a lefty. It is not gas, it is petrol.

[@duncanupjohn1481]

Great video Caelan. We love people visiting our country but unfortunately too many people coming to New Zealand have great difficulty adjusting to driving on the left, and cause accidents because of it - often with fatal consequenses. Please be careful when you arrive, and give yourselves time to get over your jetlag/tiredness before having to concentrate on this dangerous activity.

[@mjz4043]

Our Kiwi friends near Dunedin told me the same thing. Fortunately we will be in Singapore and Australia and not be driving there so that might better prepare us for driving a car around New Zealand. My biggest fear is roundabouts and intersections.

[@kathrynyc3096]

@@mjz4043be

[@Samual911able]

Interesting you mention the windshield wipers and turn signals being the reverse on a right hand drive car. I live in Australia which also drives on the left side. I have a right hand drive Volkswagen Golf. But being a European car it still has the turn signal and windshield wiper switches set for left hand drive. All Japanese and other Asian cars have their switches on the correct side though.

[@wowitsgalaxy740]

I love your positive attitude. I shall adopt same!

[@matthewpasco9772]

I’m a Kiwi living in Texas and had to get used to the same things on the other side. Have only just got used to not turning my windshield wipers on :) good videos

[@gregor393]

And which way you look over your shoulder as you enter a motorway.

[@jerry3890]

The turn signals can vary with cars here. Japanese cars will have the turn signals on the right, but some European cars will have it on the left. I once had a Ford Lazer (re-badged Mazda Familia) as my personal car and had a Holden Astra (Opel based) for a company car. Both had the steering wheel on the right but headlights and turn signal reversed. I was always turning on the wrong thing.

[@johnseabrook1029]

Driving on the left makes more sense. Before cars, people mounted a horse from the left, ships berthed on the left side. Since the advent of motor vehicles, changing gears with your left hand allowed greater control of the car with the naturally stronger & more dexterous right hand. How most countries ran counter to this is a mystery for the ages.

[@cashmeoutsidehowboutdah8236]

Don't worry we think you's are weird for driving on the right side of the road too because humans are mostly right handed so it's common sense to use your left hand for the gears and your right hand for steering, whilst shifting with your left hand. Another weird thing you's have is mp/h. We use km/h and when you're driving fast and you see numbers like 100kph or 140kph it actually feels like you're going that fast. But you guys would drive fast and see numbers like 35mph 60mph, like wtf is that? lol I always find that stupid from your guys and yes I know you can convert mph to kph but I'm talking about the numbers, specifically. That's probably why you's crash heaps lol

[@smudger671]

Don't know what country you're from, but we use MPH in the UK.

[@eleveneleven572]

You are absolutely right. Steering with your right hand is more natural.

[@johnwxh30]

On the left is also more natural. Majority of the world's population are right handed & right eye dominant.

[@moyadapne968]

Blame Henry Ford. He assumed the average Yank couldn't change gear with the left hand.

[@davidrayner9832]

One thing he didn't mention was crossing the road. It's so easy to look the wrong way, see no traffic coming, and step out from the kerb. People have been killed doing that. On another note, did you waste a few years of your life watching Lost? Here's some trivia. In a very early episode, Kate was in Australia on the run from the US cops. She was in a car chase but the scenes were filmed in the US. They filmed the scenes and then flipped the film so it'd look like they were driving RHD cars on the LH side of the road. Prior to filming, all roadside signs that might appear on camera were replaced with signs printed in reverse as were the cars' licence plates, and the actors wore their watches and rings on the opposite hands. It all looked pretty good (I'm Australian) but the only giveaway was that Kate and her pursuer were both driving Ford F-250s. They are so rare in Australia that the chances of seeing two in quick succession are very small but then I'm just being picky because I knew how those scenes were filmed before I saw them and I know which vehicles are common here and which aren't. To someone who didn't, that probably wouldn't occur to them. To an Aussie motor head, the only downer to driving on the left is that we don't get American muscle cars. Well, we can but they must be converted at great cost. Same with American trucks like Ford Fs, GMCs, and Dodge Rams. To convert any of those to RHD costs around $50,000. That was not a typo. Recently, Ford began making the Mustang in RHD but we don't get the Chevy Camaro or Corvette. We get Jeeps and a few Chyslers but not the Viper, Prowler, or Hellcat. I imported an '88 Ford Econoline which can stay a lefty because it's old enough to be classed as 'historic'. I have a friend with one that he's converted and because he didn't move the engine over to the left of centre, there is barely enough room for him to work the pedals in what was the passenger's footwell. The biggest problem I have is pulling out from a parallel parking spot as I'm sitting right at the kerb. These problems only apply to American cars and then only muscle cars as 'ordinary' American cars are no different from any of the European or Asian cars we get. Most other cars right up to Lamborghinis are available in RHD.

[@nitsujnaej]

Go back in history, and you’ll find that our ancestors definitely travelled on the left side of the road/track or approaches. The logic was, since 90% of the Human Race is right-handed; weaponry was immediately positioned to meet an opponent approaching from the opposite direction. Also, the universal right-hand greeting; necessitated a left-sided approach. Archaeological and historical evidence, showed road rutting on the left-side from ancient Roman wagons; transporting heavy loads out of quarries. In ancient China, old prints showed foot and wagon traffic; moving on the left side of the road as well. The big laugh is watching US cop shows, where a right-handed shooter driving a left-hand drive car; would shoot his pistol from his wrong hand (left-hand), at the car he was chasing. Coming to a halt, climbing out of his vehicle and using his drivers-side door as a defensive shield; still put him at a disadvantage, because using his right-hand to shoot, exposed him to fire. The US got a slap in the face many decades ago; when it tried to force left-hand drive vehicles onto the Japanese market and hence, right-side driving. The Japanese weren’t going to forego the logic of driving right-hand drive vehicles. In its Imperialistic wisdom, the US also refused to export American vehicles that weren’t left-hand drive. Canadian based US manufacturers such as GM, Ford etc; were obliged to exported right-hand drive vehicles. After all, they were in the business of making money. Their political masters in the US however; weren’t too happy. The rot really starts with left-handed absolute dictator Napoleon Bonaparte. Since he proclaimed himself Emperor of Europe; everyone would travel on the wrong side of the road. The US was no different.

[@SentFromMyiPwn]

That was really interesting Justin, thank you! 😊

[@covfefe1787]

america drives on the right because of horsewagon driving so people drove on the right so they could win the horses in the back and not get in the way of traffic

[@johnwilson5743]

LOL. I'm a Kiwi and experienced the same things as you... just in reverse... when I drove in California. Highways were easy but turning at intersections and driving in suburbs were the tough ones. When my US lady visited here in NZ, she hated driving round roundabouts, being scared she would take the wrong lanes. Oh well, we are both still alive!!

[@michaelwoodhams7866]

I didn't drive very much when I was in the US. So my biggest issue was when I was getting a ride with someone else. We'd be walking out to the car and I'd habitually go stand by the driver's door and wait expectantly to be let in, while the would-be-driver looked at me strangely.

[@jurgentreue1200]

Where it gets interesting is driving a left hand drive car on the left hand side of the road. My wife and I lived in Laos, left hand drive cars, right hand side of the road. Once a month or so we'd jump across the border into Thailand where they drive on the left (right hand drive vehicles). We had a Laos registered vehicle with left hand drive and once we crossed the border we had to adjust to driving on the left hand side of the road in a left hand drive car. Then when we got back, we had to readjust again.

[@kendramarie6934]

Great video!! Answered all my questions. Going for it in Ireland this weekend!!!!!

[@doreendale2154]

Enjoy yur holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand.Its been fun listening an watching how you are transitioning into new zealand way of life and its cultures.

[@stevo728822]

You are also always holding the steering wheel with your right hand, which for most people the hand you have the most control with.

[@putridvomit]

Hug the centreline and before you know it you are going to wake up in a hospital bed after a head-on collision. Keep *left* not keep as far right on the left.

[@alexanderblohme5044]

In Norway/Sweden we also give way to the traffic coming from right (Unless on a right-of-way road, yellow diamond sign)

[@tigertiger1699]

All good but do not hug the centre line.., keep to the left of you lane.. so people can overtake

[@shinehead9303]

Actually it is better to hug that center line. This way you leave some room for yourself in case of an emergency. If a vehicle comes out too far of a lane or exit on your left, you lessen the chance of a collision. In some cases the curb is very near to the road or the soft shoulder has a sudden drop, do you want to stay more that center lane. Of course, if you intend to turn left, then you should be as close as possible to the left line.

[@kiwibadger7826]

Caelan, the law is KEEP LEFT not hug the centre line

[@passmethesaltplease9350]

KiwiBadger relax hes NOT entirely use to a change like this...

[@kiwibadger7826]

I AM nothing but relaxed. I believe that all visitors to our country should learn our road rules prior to driving here as to ensure their survival and that of others. I am simply pointing out the road rule. It would appear it is you whom needs to relax and NOT get so defensive. Caelan is a big boy and if he took any offense I am sure he is fully capable of using a keyboard!!

[@passmethesaltplease9350]

KiwiBadger no bud i am not offended, seems like you were quick to assume so but oh well, whatever floats your keyboard...

[@kiwibadger7826]

Bud, I didn't say you were offended I said you were defensive. As you seem to struggle with the concept of my original comment, I was simply pointing out what the law requires whilst operating a motor vehicle on New Zealand roads. It's not an opinion, criticism or a suggestion, it's a legal requirement! why you have taken my comment to mean something other than what it is, is clearly in your head. Happy trolling!

[@sysrq69]

My rental car has a big sticker that say Keep left!. Very helpful for those of us that are not familiar with driving on left side of the road. Also No left turn on red. Ever!

[@StrictlyChosen]

oh you are just great! im about to head to NZ so thank you sir!

[@Isleofskye]

You are braver than me. I have driven for 38 years, mostly, in the heart of London and done around 720,000 miles and I love driving as I know most back routes and now miss most of London's notorious Central traffic as I live on the edge. In the heart of South East London you , literally, have traffic jams at 4.00/5/00 AM ! You will never see me drive abroad on the right though ! :)

[@theotherwayofstopping4717]

I live in NZ and my car's left hand drive anyway, which can make overtaking a bit hard. But I have driven in the States and found it surprisingly easy.

[@firefox5926]

1:58 i just keep chanting the mantra in my head "keep left , give way to the right "

[@CaelanHuntress]

I like, "Right has the right of way."

[@gregor393]

Beware the return to the US. I drove 6 months in the US then returned to NZ, and one quiet Sunday morning I found myself driving down the main street of my town on the right! You may have formed some dangerous new habits.

[@MrKiwi4lyfe]

i had the same problem with the wiper/indicator when i moved to France. I took me like a millions years to get use to it

[@mjz4043]

In Iran, the horn was on a stick to the right of the steering column. When we got back to the states it took me a long time to not hit the windshield wiper when I wanted to honk at someone.

[@johne6479]

don't get caught using your cell phone whilst driving mate :))

[@picinana6871]

please do not hug the center line.. omg!. be left of center of your side! but not outside the outer painted line. please!

[@srhintz]

Your turn signal stalk is on the interior side of the wheel in your stateside car? I don't think so.

[@chriswalford4072]

don't worry about signalling no one else does in UK

[@mjz4043]

I drive an American car in the USA and my turn signal is on the left and wipers on the right.

[@OryanMcLean]

stay as close as you can to the left line not middle.

[@codedesigns8291]

Hug the left hand side not center

[@bethearl8686]

I always put a "student driver" magnetic sticker on the back of my rentals.

[@ndav970]

These were some of the concerns I've had about going over. I'm so afraid that I'll get in a comfort zone and forget!

[@RoyalCaymanian]

Nemosyne LOL happens to tourists a few times where I live.

[@classicjonesy]

Thank for you for the advice when they're on RIGHT they have right of way

[@newdawn8477]

letting you know we had a law change that that we no longer give way to the right (unless at a round-a-bout)

[@mjz4043]

This is in New Zealand?

[@lakatani60]

Lol I did the same thing when I drove for the first time in the states.

[@danielwatts7375]

I laughed my butt off at you turning your wipers on.

[@surewinner]

Buy extra insurance for your rental and drive slow (don't worry about people honking at you).

[@estebanrios4540]

I had always thought I’m a good driver till I had to drive a manual car on the left side in a suburb honestly I almost cried, and almost crashed twice besides I lost the gear shift cause was at night in few words a total nightmare

[@aaronimpactnz]

I don't think you should be hugging the centre, too dangerous. Drive to the side of the road as possible.

[@kcanyon9108]

The conclusion is hilarious.

[@Lightning9060]

NOOOOO DON'T HUG THE CENTER LINE

[@deborahcicconi5600]

He thinks he's old at 39, "learning new things." I'm 69 from the US and I am thinking of driving in Ireland. I have a Left/Right issue all my life because I'm mostly ambidextrous and I am worried about driving there.

[@WHOHATESTOWORK]

Good thing about driving rhd on right side of road is that the driver has more of a chance of survival in head ons

[@mjz4043]

Why? The driver is almost seated more towards the center of the road UNLESS his car is the reverse of the norm..

[@carultch]

Other than special purpose vehicles like mail trucks, or imported vehicles, or special case countries that are inconsistent from the rest of the road, the driver is almost always seated on the traffic side of the road.

[@jimgamble2429]

Not the wrong side!! Opposite side!!

[@tofinoguy]

Starts at... never.

[@MothershipVideos]

Cool.

[@saltydogz4657]

5 seconds later he drove head on into a cement truck.

[@andynixon2820]

He looks like gerry adams .

[@Isleofskye]

More like peteradams.

[@videostarish]

Yes, you are on the 'right' side, not the wrong side.

[@shaungordon9737]

As most people are right eye dominant, driving on the left is far safer and easier for most people. Also the fact if you drive manual, you're dominant hand stays on the steering wheel Driving on the right only helps left handed people

[@tonybennett4159]

Well, once you've mastered that, there is a surprising number of countries where you can practise your skills, among them Japan and Thailand.

[@asifhouda7101]

Drive on the wrong side. Highly recommend it. Why?

[@stanleyt.7930]

Not wrong. Different

[@enterthematrix11]

american side is the wrong side.

[@annettegyde7585]

I like your beard

[@cameraman655]

Have to git y’all drivin the correct amercin way

[@CaelanHuntress]

Nah. I like the way they drive here.

[@batman51]

I have to laugh at these endless US videos discovering that driving on the right is not a law of nature (and actually happens in 75+ countries). Most human brains can cope pretty easily but I agree there should be universal decision on which side wipers and lights controls are placed. The side of the road you are on is irrelevant. The real problem tends to be the rear view mirror but maybe I am just old fashioned in still using one.

[@ttango2653]

lol stay young

[@daddymuggle]

Another advantage of driving on the left - when you pick up a hitchhiker, it's much easier to shake hands if the driver is sitting on the right.

[@daddymuggle]

"Give way to the right" has been abolished. We now have rules more in line with the rest of the RHD world.