Is the driver on the left or right in the United States?
3 Answers
In the United States, the steering wheel is on the left because the country follows right-hand traffic, just like China. In countries with right-hand traffic, the steering wheel is on the left. Conversely, in countries with left-hand traffic, the steering wheel is on the right. Here is more related information: 1. Road traffic direction: Road traffic directions can be divided into left-hand traffic (vehicles drive on the left side of the road) and right-hand traffic (vehicles drive on the right side of the road). 34% of countries follow left-hand traffic, while 66% follow right-hand traffic. In terms of road mileage, 28% of the world's drivable roads follow left-hand traffic, and 72% follow right-hand traffic. 2. Driver's seat: The earliest cars had the driver's seat positioned in the center of the vehicle. Soon after, some automakers placed the driver's seat on the side closer to the centerline of the road to better observe oncoming traffic, while others placed it on the roadside side to avoid collisions with obstacles like walls, hedges, or ditches. Practical testing showed that the former approach was more conducive to road safety, thus becoming the standard for automakers. This led to the distinction between left-hand drive (driver's seat on the left front side of the vehicle) and right-hand drive (driver's seat on the right front side). The side of the road on which vehicles drive depends on the long-established traffic rules of each country, which have evolved into more detailed and strict road traffic regulations. Many countries legally determine the direction of vehicle traffic.
When I first learned to drive in the U.S., I noticed that drivers always sit on the left side. It felt very natural because vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and the left-side position allows the driver to have a clearer view of the road ahead, minimizing blind spots. Looking back on my driving lessons, the instructor always emphasized this design, making it easier and safer to operate the steering wheel and shift gears with the right hand. In other countries, like the U.K. or Australia, drivers might sit on the right, but in the U.S., it has become a standard habit. As a young person, I find this design quite practical, especially when making turns or changing lanes in the city—it never feels awkward. Next time you buy or rent a car, remember to check the seating position first to avoid any confusion right from the start.
In my extensive driving experience, the driver's position in the U.S. is consistently on the left. This stems from the American traffic system, where vehicles drive on the right side of the road, allowing the driver on the left to better control the center of the road. In comparison, in right-hand drive countries like Japan, the positions are reversed, but the U.S. has maintained this design unchanged for decades. The benefits are numerous: it reduces accidents, provides a broader field of vision, and makes it easier to see oncoming headlights, especially at night. I recommend that new drivers first familiarize themselves with this position—don’t underestimate it; you’ll appreciate the comfort of the left seat cushion on long drives. Overall, understanding this position can also help you prepare before traveling, avoiding unnecessary confusion.
