Cyprus is an island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. One of the interesting things about Cyprus is that, despite being part of the European Union, it is one of the few countries in Europe where traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. In this article, we will explore why this is the case.
The history of Cyprus is marked by a long period of British rule. From 1878 until the island gained its independence in 1960, Cyprus was a British colony. During this period, the British introduced many of their customs and practices to the island, including driving on the left-hand side of the road.
At the time, the British Empire was expanding rapidly, and many of the countries it had colonized, including Australia, India, and New Zealand, drove on the left-hand side of the road. When Cyprus was colonized, it made sense for the British to introduce left-hand driving to maintain consistency with their other colonies.
Another reason why Cyprus continues to drive on the left-hand side of the road is safety. Driving on the left-hand side of the road requires drivers to sit on the right-hand side of the car, which means that they have a better view of the road ahead. This is particularly useful in countries where the roads are narrow and winding, as it allows drivers to see oncoming traffic and avoid collisions.
In addition, driving on the left-hand side of the road has been shown to reduce the number of accidents that occur at intersections. This is because, in left-hand driving countries, drivers turn into the nearest lane of traffic, rather than crossing over to the far side of the road.
Finally, there are cultural reasons why Cyprus continues to drive on the left-hand side of the road. For many Cypriots, driving on the left-hand side of the road is seen as a link to the country’s colonial past. It is a reminder of the country’s ties to Britain and the shared history that the two countries share.
In addition, driving on the left-hand side of the road is a source of national pride for many Cypriots. It is seen as a symbol of the country’s independence and its ability to maintain its own unique identity, despite the influences of foreign powers.
In conclusion, there are a variety of reasons why Cyprus continues to drive on the left-hand side of the road. Whether it is due to historical, safety, or cultural reasons, the practice has become deeply ingrained in Cypriot culture and is likely to continue for many years to come.
