Why are car steering wheels on the right side in Hong Kong?
2 Answers
In Hong Kong, car steering wheels are on the right side because vehicles drive on the left side of the road. This setup makes it easier for drivers to observe the road and for passengers to get on and off the vehicle. There are two main vehicle traffic systems in the world: left-hand traffic and right-hand traffic. Currently, about 90% of countries adopt the right-hand traffic system. The core of the left-hand traffic system is based on human instinctive reactions. Since the human heart is on the left side, when drivers face danger, they instinctively lean or turn to the left to protect their hearts, avoiding more severe chain collisions by steering toward the middle of the road in case of an accident. A drawback is that it requires using the left hand to operate the gearshift, which may require an adaptation period for body coordination. Currently, China adopts the right-hand traffic system, which is the opposite of the left-hand system. The right-hand system is more conducive to body coordination when operating vehicle gears and allows more flexible use of various functions on the center console. A disadvantage is that human vision is predominantly right-eye dominant, so under the right-hand system, when a vehicle approaches from the left and is obscured by a vehicle in front, the observation and reaction time might be slightly slower.
Having lived in Hong Kong for many years, the right-hand steering wheel is primarily a legacy of British tradition. As a former British colony, Hong Kong's traffic rules dictate that vehicles drive on the left side of the road. This right-hand steering design allows drivers to more easily observe the opposite side of the road, avoiding collisions with oncoming traffic and enhancing driving safety. If you've visited mainland China or other right-hand traffic countries, you'll notice the steering wheel is on the left—this is entirely determined by traffic customs. After Hong Kong's handover, the rules weren't changed because switching the traffic system would be too costly and could cause confusion. Local drivers are also accustomed to it, and forcing a change could lead to accidents. Many intersections and road designs are built for left-hand traffic, and I find the right-hand seating position offers better visibility while driving, especially when turning to spot pedestrians. This setup ensures smoother traffic flow, and from older generations to younger ones, no one finds it inconvenient. Occasionally renting a car in Shenzhen feels awkward at first with the left-hand steering, but I quickly readjust back to Hong Kong's mode. A combination of historical legacy and practical considerations has made the right-hand steering wheel a distinctive feature of Hong Kong.