Right-hand driving is the standard in the United States today, but its adoption was shaped by many factors. Though driving practices were not uniform in the country’s early days, the nation tried to establish its own identity. Read on to discover events that influenced the shift in American roadways.

Historical Precedent from Early Settlers  

Many settlers carried firearms, typically holstered on their left side, which made it more convenient to keep to the right side of paths and trails. The positioning allowed for a quicker draw of the weapon in case of an ambush or highway robbery.

Safety Considerations

In the 18th century, teamsters driving Conestoga wagons sat on the left rear horse. This arrangement allowed the predominantly right-handed drivers to maintain better control over the reins and see oncoming traffic more efficiently. Over time, this became a standard practice among drivers of large vehicles.

Early Road Legislation

The formalization of right-side driving began with legislative actions in the late 18th century. Pennsylvania was the first state to pass a law mandating right-side travel on the Philadelphia & Lancaster Turnpike in 1792. New York followed suit in 1804, enacting similar laws for public highways.

Ford’s Model T

In the early days of motoring, most American vehicles had right-side steering wheels. As automotive technology advanced, Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908, which featured a left-side steering wheel. This innovation not only improved the driving experience but also encouraged the shift toward left-side driving.

Passenger Entry and Exit

Model T’s also had practical implications for passenger convenience. With the driver on the left side, it became easier for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle onto the curb, minimizing the risk of stepping into the traffic. By 1915, most American cars began featuring similar designs.

Westward Expansion

As settlers moved westward, wagons and carriages became a primary mode of transportation. Drivers sat on the left side of the wagon oxcart, making it easier to pass on the right, thus promoting right-hand driving in the new territories.

Manufacturing Trends

The growth of the automobile industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries began to standardize driving practices. Some of the earliest American cars, after the Ford Model T, had controls positioned for right-hand driving, influencing early road designs and driver habits.

Automobile Industry Leadership

American automobile companies like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler helped solidify right-hand driving in America. Their designs, which featured right-hand steerings, were exported and widely adopted, further impacting road design and driving customs.

Road Infrastructure Development

As cars became more prevalent, the need for improved road systems arose. Road designs, traffic signals, and lane systems were all developed around the right-hand driving system, making it more practical for the growing number of cars on the road.

Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 added vast territories to the United States that had been governed by French customs. With the influx of French settlers and trade routes connecting these new lands to the rest of the country, right-hand driving began to spread as a common practice.

1915 Legal Changes

By 1915, the shift toward right-hand driving had become more uniform across the United States. Several states, including New Jersey, Ohio, and Massachusetts, passed legislation that required drivers to keep to the right. States that had not yet formally adopted right-hand driving soon followed suit.

World War I Influence

The U.S. involvement in World War I brought American soldiers and industrialists into contact with European right-hand-driving nations. Upon returning home, the right-hand driving custom they had experienced abroad helped reinforce the practice. Additionally, the war led to the rise of American industrial power.

National Road Systems

The development of the U.S. National Highway System, starting with the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1921, necessitated consistent road rules across state lines. Right-hand driving was mandated on all federally funded highways, further cementing the practice nationwide.

Globalization and Trade

Right-hand driving facilitates the import and export of vehicles and reduces the costs associated with modifying cars. Additionally, as Americans travel more frequently to right-hand driving countries and vice versa, maintaining a consistent road system helps reduce confusion.