Drive on the right (or left) side of the road

Most travelers have experienced driving on the opposite side of the road – on purpose that is. At first it seems quite simple, you head out of the car lot and just start driving, that is until you have parked for a while and then hop back into the car and instinct takes over.

I was recently in Ireland and the rental car was equipped with ten different stickers posted in strategic places reminding me which side to drive on. If your car isn’t overloaded with such sticker reminders, here are few tips for keeping you on the right (or left) side of the road.

Find out beforehand! About a quarter of the world drives on the left, most at some point in history were British colonies, with the exception of Japan and a few others. Knowing which side of the road you’ll be driving on ahead of time will prepare you for the trip. Check out this handy chart: Table of Countries Showing Drive Direction

The Centre Line: Unless you are in an imported specialty car, the driver always sits on the side of the car that is nearest to the centre line. So if you look out your driver’s window and notice the sidewalk, you’re driving on the wrong side.