near side/off side

["Theodore R. Stevens" <trstevens@earthlink.net>]

I've always associated the terms "near" and "off" side with horses -- the 
near (left) side is the side you get on and off.  The off (right) side is 
the other side.  I'm certain that "near side" is left, and "off side" is 
right, regardless of which side of the road you ride (or drive) on.
--
Ted Stevens
trstevens@earthlink.net