Steve I hope you were just in quick story mode when you posted that nonsense about Americans changing side of road traffic due to the War of Independence. Using terms you yourself employ, that was a load of bollocks.

As to the diplomat's wife, what happened was a tragedy to which shame was appended. I don't think it was a good idea to claim immunity in this circumstance and I would like to think that behind the scenes American officials urged the 'right thing'. What I don't know is if beyond taking responsibility the woman was looking at a significant time behind bars which may have influenced her behavior.

I was once in a fender bender where I was an American driving in a Commonwealth country. It wasn't a case of injury or even being on the wrong side of the road, but I took full financial responsibility and no one tried to hinder me leaving the country.