Looking to travel to a tropical paradise where the beaches are pristine, the sun is shining, and the drivers are all on the wrong side of the road? Look no further than St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands! Yes, you read that correctly – on St. Croix, you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road, which is just one of the many quirky things that make this island so unique.
So why do islanders drive on the left in St. Croix? Well, there are a few theories. Some say it’s because the island was once ruled by Denmark, which also drove on the left side of the road. Others say it’s because the original mode of transportation on the island was donkeys, which were trained to pass each other on the left side of the road. But let’s be real here – we all know the real reason: the islanders just wanted to mess with tourists.
Picture this: a group of islanders sitting around a table, sipping rum cocktails and brainstorming ways to mess with the tourists. “What if we started driving on the left side of the road?” one of them suggests, and the others burst out laughing. “Genius!” they exclaim. “No one will see that coming!”
No, but seriously, tourists take note. It’s a rare day when a tourist doesn’t accidentally enter the wrong lane, so it’s important to always stay alert and be prepared for unexpected maneuvers. Defensive driving is always recommended while visiting the Virgin Islands.
And so, driving on the left has always been the norm on St. Croix, much to the confusion of visitors. “Wait, what side of the road are we supposed to be on?” they ask, as they narrowly avoid colliding with a car coming from the opposite direction. “Left!” the locals shout back, giggling to themselves.
Of course, driving on the left is just the beginning of the fun on St. Croix. There are also roundabouts to navigate, which can be a real adventure for those not used to them. And don’t forget about the occasional wild donkey (St John) or loose horse (St Croix) that might wander into the road. But hey, it all adds to the charm, right?
Speaking of horses, I visit this beautiful white horse near where I live. It is healthy, social, and seemingly has plenty of room to run. It acts as a pseudo-guard horse for the high-fenced complex awaiting renovation just down the road. Fortunately, he will not be roaming in harm’s way on any of St Croix’s roads.
What is your favorite explanation or story as to why islanders drive on the left side of the road?
Here is a collection of different theories, funny folklore, and different colorful answers as to why. Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned donkey story… Lol
Truth be told… The US Virgin Islands drive on the left-hand side of the road likely due to its historical ties to Denmark, which ruled over the islands for nearly 200 years (1733 to 1917) until they were sold to the United States in 1917. Denmark, like many other European countries, drove on the left side of the road during this time. When the United States took control of the islands, it decided to maintain the left-hand driving system as it was already established, and changing it would have been too costly and disruptive. There was also a measure of respect for the local customs of the time. As a result, driving on the left-hand side remains a unique aspect of the US Virgin Islands’ culture and history.
So, if you’re looking for a tropical vacation with a twist, come to St. Croix, where the drivers are on the left, the rum is flowing, and the locals are always up for a good laugh at your expense. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road and your sense of humor intact.
Denmark has never had left-hand drive. Britain has still left-hand drive and Sweden had it until 1967. But Denmark never had. It must be due to English influence in the Caribbian that the Virgin Islands has left-hand drive.
I am Danish.