CURIOUS ANOMALY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18536, 5 April 1930, Page 15 (Supplement)

CURIOUS ANOMALY.

One would imagine that left-hand-drive cars would be preferred in countries where the rule of the road is the opposite to that which is the custom here and in the British Isles. If drivers have to keep to the right, then it is rational that they should like to sit on the left of their vehicles so that by pulling out only a couple of feet towards the middle of the road, they can see beyond a slower conveyance that they wish to overtake. But Continental motorists prefer cars with right-hand drive. They advance a host or arguments in support of their preference. It is a great help in keeping to the right, they say. Moreover, provided that he has made certain that the road ahead is clear, it is much easier for a motorist to overtake another vehicle if he is seated on the •right. In foggy weather, or when 'meeting dazzling headlamps, it is much easier for the driver to see clearly the edge of the road. British motorists who visit the Continent are always impressed by the way approaching traffic keeps to its proper side and they notice, if they are observant, that the few cars they may meet hugging the middle of the road are fitted with lefthand steering. Many of the leading Continental firms do not build cars with left-hand drive, and that the desire for such vehciles is decreasing is proved by the recent statement of a famous French manufacturer that only 15 per cent, of his current orders specified left-hand steering, whereas four years ago he sold over 40 per cent, of his output so equipped.