Why are the steering wheels on the right side in foreign countries?
3 Answers
Foreign steering wheels are on the right side due to differences in traffic regulations across countries. Below is an introduction to the steering wheel system: Traffic Regulations: Currently, there are two main traffic systems in the world: one where vehicles drive on the right side of the road with the steering wheel on the left, and another where vehicles drive on the left side with the steering wheel on the right. Approximately 90% of countries worldwide follow right-hand traffic, while the remaining countries drive on the left. Reasons for the Right-Side Steering Wheel: When Karl Benz first invented the automobile, 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 gearshift and brakes, designers naturally placed the driver's seat on the right side, with the steering wheel also on the right. In the early days of automobiles, most car owners employed drivers. To facilitate the driver opening the door for the owner, early cars naturally adopted right-hand drive and right-hand traffic.
I once studied automotive history and discovered that the position of the steering wheel depends on the country's road traffic direction. Many foreign countries like the UK and Japan have right-hand drive cars because people drive on the left there. Tracing back to the era of horse-drawn carriages, ancient knights were accustomed to holding the reins with their left hand and weapons with their right hand, riding on the left side of the road to avoid conflicts. This custom carried over into the automotive era. For example, the UK legally mandated left-hand traffic, placing the steering wheel on the right so the driver sits on the left, allowing better visibility of oncoming traffic and the roadside for improved safety. Japan adopted this system during the Meiji period under British influence. Nowadays, different countries maintain their own practices, primarily due to historical traditions rather than technical limitations. Interestingly, left-hand drive countries like the US or China drive on the right, with the steering wheel on the left. Switching positions can lead to driver discomfort or increased accident risks, so it's advisable to familiarize yourself with local rules before renting a car abroad. Maintaining the original design is crucial for road safety, as historical legacies profoundly impact modern life.
As someone interested in automotive safety, I believe right-hand drive vehicles were primarily designed to match traffic flow patterns in certain countries. Right-hand drive corresponds to left-side traffic systems, where the driver's position closer to the road centerline provides better visibility for judging curves and overtaking situations. Having tested right-hand drive cars in the UK, I found they indeed offer clearer views of obstacles ahead on single-lane roads. In modern automotive design, fixed seating positions prevent blind spots caused by driver seat relocation. Modifying steering wheel positions would disrupt the original safety balance and increase risks of scraping or collisions. Some countries like Australia adopted right-hand drive due to colonial history, where safety standards prioritized local customs over global uniformity. Headlight and wiper configurations are similarly adapted to left-right differences. When driving in different countries, special attention must be paid to rule variations to avoid confusion. Overall, road traffic direction dictates everything, and technical engineers have demonstrated the efficiency of this layout through long-term practice.
