From what I've heard, driving on the left goes back to the donkey days...donkeys were the mode of transportation before cars on the island, and for whatever reason, they prefer to pass each other on the left. Once cars were thrown into the mix, they had to follow this regimen to avoid hitting donkeys head-on.
Again, this is just an island story that I've heard, and I look forward to a response from someone who may know a little more!

Andrea266 - I also heard that legend of the donkeys.

Lex, my understanding of "why drive on the left" - The driver had a better view how close they were to the edge of a drop off. Time before guard rails etc. were on island roads.

And I heard that it was done intentionally to keep people from driving too quickly around the sharp, hilly curves - especially tourists who aren't used to driving on the left! See how we look out for our tourists' safety?

Lex,
When the US purchased the VI March 31, 1917, driving on the left was already established by Denmark. One has to remember island time soon, come soon, maybe come soon. I like the donkey stories better, but you have to blame it on the Danish.

From what i have heard, the roads were in fact converted to right side driving after the US purchased the island but quickly reverted back to the left, this comming after there were a few donkeys killed in collisions due to the fact they were trained and spent thier lives on the left and instinctively would tend to stay or vere left especially at night w/ little or poor lighting coupled w/ the locals actually sleeping (aka passed out drunk), as the donkeys knew there way home

Gotta love those donkeys. Wish more people could use them to get home after
a day and evening of bushwackers, and sun.

Lip,
Great Story, if you were talking about a horse staying to the left, it could be believable, but a donkey is smarter than that. Never changed to the right. I have had family living on the islands since 1868, didn't happen. However yours is the best story yet and if my grandfather was still alive he would swear to it. Thats what I'm going to start telling people when they ask.LOL thats the best one yet!

there has been more than one evening when i coulda used a "drunk cart donkey" to get back to my villa 🙂

lip,
AMEN TO THAT!

Somewhere in my studies I learned that when the U.S. took possession of the V.I. there was much consternation among the inhabitants concerning what it would mean to their lives and everyday living. In other words, people were worried, and their concerns were fueled in part by outlandish rumors. U.S. officials were made aware of this and as a result, decided to be very sensitive to the effect on the locals any decisions made in governing the islands. They even allowed those that wished, to keep their Danish citizenship and still maintain legal residence in the now USVI. The decision to maintain left-side roads was made largely in part to respect local customs as well as to help quell any resentment toward the U.S.

The first two stories are the ones I go by. Never heard about any donkeys getting killed, but it is plausible.

RL

rkurpiers,
What you state is probably 100% correct, but from my lips, you will only hear the lip version. The best urban legend yet!

The "Blame the Danish" reason is folklore (aka BS). Do some simple searching on the net and you'll find that Denmark made "driving" on the right the law in 1793. Now that's not to say that they didn't dictate what their colonies did. But the Danish in Denmark were driving on the right side of the road in 1917.

Hey,
Maybe it was the donkeys that had the final say. You know how contentious they can be!!

thoogie,
We are talking about the VI under Denmark, What were they driving in 1793 in Denmark at the time that required them to change what side of the road you should drive as you said "driving". That should be interesting. You do the research and get back to us.

Then again,
Maybe it was those damn voting machines!

I thought it was to appease the EE Taxi Association. I overheard that at one of their Molly Malone's "meetings".

j/k ';)

Fact is, I don't think anyone REALLY knows! I too, go with the story of the Donkey's and had also heard that when the US purchased the Islands, they tried to change it with no success! Driving on the left WAS established with the Danes, but why? I don't know as they DO drive on the right over seas. SO? Sounds like the Donkey's win!!!!

TINGALAYO, (RUN LITTLE DONKEY RUN)! Anyone heard that song? 🙂

For a society to be controlled by a Jack Ass, sounds like things haven't changed much since 1917!