CHAPTER 24
GREG SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, which in England was on the left side, where in your country the driver is.
— It's a little weird being on that side as the passenger.
The priest smiled and to distract a little from the mood of the moment, he tried to bring that not useful information that every nerd loved.
— Few people know that about 25% of the cars in the world are driven on the left side of the streets and roads, as most of these countries were British colonies, with the exception of a few, such as Japan, which adopted this system because of the method used. during the empire. Until the end of the 18th century, it was customary for horsemen and coachmen to travel on the left side of roads. The reason for this is quite simple...
— Most people were right— handed, using their sword with their right hand. So that she would be free and on the right side for an eventual duel, which was not uncommon in those days.
— Exactly! It was necessary to walk that side. If the person traveled on the right side, their left side would be fully exposed.
Greg smiled.
— There is still another version to explain how the English hand came about. Some say that if the coachmen stood on the right side of the streets and roads, they could hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk when they whipped their animals, which was usually also done with the right hand, but the first version is more accepted.
— And it makes more sense.
Igor nodded.
— The 'French hand — continued the priest — used in most countries is already more romantic in this sense, as it refers to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who was left— handed, so he needed to stay on the right side of a road, to be prepared for a duel, as he wielded his sword with his left hand. With that, the French emperor gave orders for everyone to adapt, starting to establish what we call, nowadays, the French way, that is, walking on the right side of a road.
Greg gave the priest a kind smile.
— This happened little by little, in America, for example, all the colonizers, besides the French, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese, were dominated by Napoleon at some time, having no option but to adopt his system. When other countries dominated, the custom was simply passed on. Another factor that strongly contributed to the fact that the majority had cars with a left— hand steering wheel, and driving on the right, was that the mass production of vehicles began in the United States, a country that had already adopted this system. Any other nation that imported these models ended up going in the same direction.
— Wouldn't it be better if all countries had the same system?
— Perhaps yes.
The priest stopped the car and waited for the traffic light to open so they could continue their journey.
— Every time someone travels to a country with a different circulation system, it's an adventure. Few can adapt quickly, and most feel that they are learning to drive again. I know what you must be thinking... And if all countries adopted the same system, wouldn't it be more practical?
Greg nodded, looking unfazed by the nerdy priest.
— It may even be so, however, that would simply be unfeasible. It is true that some nations have already changed their system, such as Samoa, which in 2009 reversed circulation from right to left, but this is rare and quite complicated. Can you imagine the cost and time involved, for countries like England, Japan or Australia to change all their traffic signs, adapting all the cars? What would happen slowly with the entry of new models in the fleet and, the most difficult, re-educate all drivers? To the despair of those who travel frequently to these countries, this difference will continue to exist.
The priest continued.
— And what happens when I cross the border between two countries with different systems? This can happen, for example, on the border between Brazil, which drives on the right and Guyana, which drives on the left, there, in some cases, there is a system so that no one causes an accident by driving on the wrong side without realizing it. A diagonal intersection is placed, so that the driver is forced to turn the steering wheel 45º and change direction when crossing the border. Sounds confusing, however, it's a smart system to avoid any problems.
They stopped because the traffic was heavy.
— Is it permissible to drive a vehicle with the steering wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle?
— In most countries, yes. Many end up looking for these vehicles because they are cheaper, after all, few people want to drive on the — wrong— side, as all traffic and traffic is done in one direction, whether English or French. On the other hand, there are several countries that place some restrictions. Some, such as Kenya and India, prohibit the general population from driving left-hand drive vehicles. New Zealand only allows it if the model is over 20 years old, characterizing a collector's vehicle. In the Philippines and Cambodia, which use the same direction of traffic as in the United States, right— hand drive vehicles are prohibited. And Brazil has banned the registration of vehicle licensing with the steering wheel on the right side.
— And a curiosity I've always had...
— Sends...
— In vehicles with the steering wheel on the right, does the order of the pedals change?
— This is a question that many people have. What changes in a vehicle with the steering on the right side? One important thing, which may be the first to cause difficulties for those who are not used to it, is that the gearshift will now need to be operated with the left hand. If the vehicle is manual, it will not be easy at first. Another difference is the position of some controls, such as the button that turns on the headlights and the arrow or windshield wiper levers. But as for the pedals, nothing changes. You will continue to use your left foot for the clutch and your right foot for braking and accelerating.
The priest was stunned by Greg's kindness.
— I hope I haven't said too much.
— I believe you've read Sherlock Holmes, Father Zumerick.
— It's elementary, my dear, Greg.
— Then you must know that now I will have to double the effort to forget this information in order to concentrate on the case.
The priest laughed.
— I suppose so, I just hope I'm not a Watson in your life.
Holmes loved his friend's presence.
It was then that Igor felt his cell phone vibrate and saw that they had launched a new riddle.