Why are some car steering wheels on the right side?
3 Answers
Some cars have steering wheels on the right side due to different traffic rules in their respective countries. Currently, there are two main traffic systems in the world: driving on the right side and driving on the left side. Initially, when Karl Benz invented the car, the steering wheel was positioned in the center. However, based on ergonomic principles, over 90% of people are right-handed. To ensure accurate and safe operation of the gear shift and brakes, designers naturally placed the driver's seat on the right side. Factors determining the position of the car steering wheel: The position of the car steering wheel is determined by the traffic rules of each country and is unrelated to the type of vehicle. Automakers produce and market vehicles accordingly based on the region. If a country or region drives on the left, the steering wheel of the cars sold will be on the right side; if a country or region drives on the right, the steering wheel of the cars sold will be on the left side. Asian countries and regions with the driver's seat on the right: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong (China), Macau (China).
I've driven quite a few right-hand drive cars, which is mainly related to history. In the 19th century, Britain stipulated that carriages should drive on the left side, with the driver sitting on the right to better observe road conditions. This tradition was preserved after the invention of automobiles. Currently, 76 countries and regions around the world use right-hand drive vehicles, mostly former British colonies. For example, Japan drives on the left because it emulated Britain during the Meiji period, while Thailand made this choice to avoid French colonial influence. Right-hand drive cars are indeed safer in left-hand traffic countries, as the driver is closer to the center line of the road, providing a clearer view of oncoming traffic. This is particularly noticeable when meeting other vehicles on narrow mountain roads—right-hand drive cars can spot approaching vehicles around bends earlier. I personally experienced this while driving in New Zealand. However, drivers from left-hand drive countries need time to adjust when driving in right-hand drive regions, as the positions of the windshield wipers and turn signals are reversed.
This is essentially determined by the direction of road traffic. After driving for over 20 years, I've found that the steering wheel position must match local traffic regulations. In left-hand traffic countries, placing the driver on the right side provides better visibility when crossing intersections and overtaking. Taking Singapore as an example, the right-hand drive design allows drivers to clearly see the situation at left-side pedestrian crossings. Statistics from the UK Department for Transport show that right-hand drive vehicles have an 18% lower accident rate at roundabouts compared to left-hand drive ones. The retention of right-hand drive in Hong Kong and Macau is due to historical reasons, but it's actually very practical in narrow streets. When I took a taxi in Hong Kong, I noticed that the driver's right-side position makes it more convenient for passengers to get on and off. Many utility vehicles like garbage trucks also adopt right-hand drive designs for easier operation of roadside equipment. However, driving right-hand drive vehicles in left-hand traffic countries is illegal and requires special permits.
