Why are steering wheels on the right side in Hong Kong cars?
2 Answers
Hong Kong was originally a British colony and adopted the British driving system. Due to historical conventions, vehicles in the UK drive on the left side of the road. To facilitate drivers' observation of the road and passengers' boarding and alighting, right-hand drive vehicles are used. Only a few countries such as Japan, the UK, and Commonwealth nations follow this driving system, where the steering wheel is on the right. Most countries drive on the right side, with the steering wheel on the left. More related information is as follows: 1. There are two vehicle traffic systems: left-hand traffic and right-hand traffic. Currently, nearly 90% of countries adopt right-hand traffic. The core of left-hand traffic is based on human instinctive reactions. Since the human heart is on the left side, when drivers encounter danger, they instinctively lean or turn left to protect the heart, avoiding more severe chain collisions by veering toward the road center in emergencies. The downside is that gear shifting requires left-hand operation, which may require an adaptation period for body coordination. 2. China adopts right-hand traffic: Opposite to left-hand traffic, right-hand traffic is more conducive to body coordination in gear operation, allowing more flexible use of various functions on the center console. The disadvantage is that human vision is predominantly right-eye dominant, and in right-hand traffic, when vehicles approach from the left with obstruction from front vehicles, observation and reaction might be slightly slower. 3. Left-hand traffic: Initially influenced by Western European countries, as during early Christian celebrations, the Roman Pope declared 'All roads lead to Rome,' requiring visitors to walk on the left side of the road. Thus, the UK adopted left-hand traffic. Currently, countries like Japan and India also follow left-hand traffic.
Speaking of the right-hand drive steering wheel in Hong Kong, I have to start with history. You know Hong Kong used to be a British colony, right? Back then, Britain followed left-hand traffic rules, so the steering wheel was designed on the right side to help drivers see oncoming traffic clearly while driving on the left. This is similar to places like the UK and Japan—historical traffic habits that stuck. After Hong Kong returned to China, the left-hand driving rule remained, and the right-hand steering wheel continued. If you've been there, you'd notice it's actually safer on curves or narrow roads, reducing blind spots. I find this habit quite interesting—it shows how local culture influences everyday details, like how tourists have to adjust when driving there, or they might make mistakes. Safety-wise, the right-hand steering wheel puts the driver closer to the center of the road, offering a better view. Many places worldwide, like Australia, follow this design too, proving the advantages of right-hand drive in certain road systems.
