49 2 THE RULE OF THE ROAD CH. XXII 



Whether or not the English rule of the road was 

 in force in early days in America, and if so, when 

 it was changed to our present rule, I do not know, 

 although I have made careful researches into the 

 question. On many old bridges may be seen the 

 sign, — ' Keep to the right as the law directs,' — but 

 so far, although aided by the opinion of friends 

 learned in the law, I have been unable to find the 

 date or the text of any such statute. It appears 

 that there is no general enactment in England upon 

 the subject, but in both countries the custom in 

 force has so far become law, that decisions in cases 

 of collision and damage are usually decided by the 

 Courts as if a statute did actually exist. There 

 are in both countries numerous local ordinances 

 regulating traffic on the road. 



Apart, therefore, from any historical interest that 

 may attach to the origin of these customs, they 

 have to all intents and purposes the force of law 

 and must be observed by coachmen. The English 

 rule is embalmed in the familiar lines : — 



' The rule of the road is a paradox quite, 

 ' Both in riding and driving along ; 



' If you go to the left you are sure to go right, 

 ' If you go to the right you are wrong. 



But in walking the streets 'tis a different case, 

 ' To the right it is right you should bear ; 



To the left should be left quite enough of free space 

 ' For the persons you chance to meet there. ' 



