Currie Colket wrote:
>
> Michael Feldman wrote:
>
> > > >
> > > >The theory I heard about why we in the US drive on the right is that
> > > >people traveled in wagons, with a driver and a guard who "rode shotgun".
> > > >If you're right-handed, you want your right finger to pull the trigger,
> > > >so you sit on the left and hold the gun out to the left of the wagon.
> > > >But then it makes sense to drive on the right. Voila.
> > > >
> > > The defence (defense) influence at the origin cannot have escaped your
> > > notice. It seems quite appropriate in the circumstances. :-)
> > > --
> > > --Michael--
> > >
> > Yeah, seems like defense spinoff is everywhere, eh?
> >
> > Mike Feldman
>
> Continuing with the defense spinoff, of course with another theory, the Romans
> had caused all of Europe to drive on the left side. Europe did this until
> Napoleon came into power. As Napoleon conquered a town, his troops forced the
> locals to drive on the right side of the street as a sign of submission to the
> French with acceptance of French law.  After Napoleon was defeated, it was just
> as easy to continue driving on the right as it was to change. It was not until
> the age of the automobile where it really made a difference. The French had a
> significant influence on America, so consequently we drive on the right as
> well.
>
> Again, just a theory.
>
> v/r
> Currie

The percentage of population right and left handed can be estimated by
counting the percentage of staircases in castles spiralling clockwise
and counterclockwise, for similar reasons.  That's the ultimate defense
spinoff, because the goal was to maximize the probability that the
defender
could cause the attacker to spin off the stairs.

Al