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Showing posts with the label road

Just my thoughts #0261

One hundred seventy years ago, tuberculosis was a lethal disease. This illness posed a significant threat to humanity, resulting in an estimated 1 billion deaths between 1700 and 1900. Notably, traces of tuberculosis have been found in the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings. In the late 1840s, German botanist Hermann Brehmer, confronted with the fatality of tuberculosis, relocated to the Himalayas in search of fresh air. Remarkably, he survived and is believed to have successfully fought off Mycobacterium tuberculosis in that less favorable environment for bacterial growth. As a result, numerous nursing homes emerged across Europe and the United States, including specialized facilities for tuberculosis care and luxury accommodations for the affluent. However, by the 1940s, many of these nursing homes began closing due to the emergence of antibiotics, which drastically changed their economic viability. Throughout history, it seems that economic value often proves transient. - Joseph’s “j...

Just my thoughts #0245

Approximately 85% to 90% of the global population is right-handed, while the remainder is left-handed, with very few being ambidextrous. Throughout history, horses have served as a primary mode of transportation for humans. Typically, right-handed individuals mount a horse from the left side, relying on their right hand to grasp the saddle for support. If a person approaches the horse from the edge of a busy road on the left, this naturally orients the horse’s movement toward the left side of the road. Consequently, human anatomical tendencies have influenced the direction of road traffic. This practice led to the establishment of the left-hand shipping rule for vehicles, ships, planes, and even space shuttles. Thus, our civilization on Earth represents a legacy shaped by human anatomical traits.   - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0243

Traffic direction is influenced by history and traditions. What would occur if a country suddenly changed its travel direction? The costs of replacing road signs would be just the start; the nation would also need to revise traffic laws and control systems, leading to a higher frequency of accidents. Such a major change hasn’t occurred in any country since its inception. Globally, 165 countries have adopted right-hand drive (RHD), while 75 have implemented left-hand drive (LHD). Currently, 66% of the world’s population drives on the right, and 72% of all roads are right-sided. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0240

Citizens from countries with different road systems are more likely to encounter traffic accidents at crosswalks when visiting other nations. This occurs because their instinctive caution is directed in the wrong way. The complexities of road traffic direction are surprisingly intricate. Traffic patterns are shaped by a blend of historical factors, governing behaviors, technology, and cultural practices. The safety and intricacy of older roads, once shared by horses, carriages, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians, differ completely from today’s well-defined driveways and sidewalks. Consequently, laws establish the directions for crossing streets. When examining the reasons and history behind any rule, it becomes apparent that achieving these conventions is rarely straightforward. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”