Which side of the road do Americans drive on?
3 Answers
In the United States, the driver's seat is on the left side of the car, the same as in China, and vehicles drive on the right side of the road. Many countries drive on the right side, such as China, Russia, Italy, Sweden, etc. Driving on the right allows the driver to use their left hand to maintain control of the steering wheel while using their right hand to perform complex actions like shifting gears and operating the dashboard, which is advantageous for right-handed drivers. Right-side driving also makes it easier for cyclists or motorcyclists to use their left hand to signal turns. Driving on the left side of the car can reduce traffic accident casualty rates for the following reasons: Human beings have an innate instinct to avoid harm. When moving at high speed and detecting danger ahead, people instinctively lean or turn to the left, allowing them to use their right hand to protect their body. It helps protect the position of the heart on the left side.
I've been driving for over a decade, and here in the US, all traffic keeps to the right. The steering wheel is on the left, and cars drive along the right side of the road. This custom dates back to the 18th century carriage era. Originally, because coachmen were accustomed to holding the whip in their right hand, sitting on the left allowed them to see oncoming vehicles clearly. Later, when Ford manufactured the Model T, they placed the steering wheel on the left, and this layout has continued to this day. New drivers arriving in the US should take note, especially friends from the UK and Japan where driving is on the left—don’t get it mixed up. If you're renting a car for a road trip, it's advisable to install a dash cam. Driving on the wrong side of the road can result in heavy fines, and remember to overtake from the left on highways.
Last month, while leading a tour group, I encountered four British tourists who immediately asked about the driving direction upon boarding. In the U.S., driving is on the right side, which is completely opposite to the U.K. This rule applies to all states, including Alaska and Hawaii. I've noticed that international visitors most commonly make the mistake of instinctively turning onto the left lane after a turn, especially at roundabouts, which can be particularly dangerous. I recommend renting an automatic transmission car, as manual transmissions can be confusing in such situations. Also, remember to set your GPS navigation to right-hand driving mode, as some imported navigation systems default to left-hand guidance, which can lead to errors. Highway rest stop restrooms are usually on the right exit, so remember to change lanes in advance.
