Why Do Cars in China Drive on the Right Side?
2 Answers
In China, cars are required to drive on the right side. Since most people are right-handed, driving on the right helps mitigate risks—right-handed individuals tend to apply pressure more quickly to the left, resulting in faster reactions compared to the left hand. This setup also helps avoid head-on collisions when vehicles are traveling in opposite directions. Below is an introduction to driving on the right versus the left: Differences between right-hand and left-hand driving: Most countries and regions that drive on the left side of the road were once colonies of the British Empire. Historically, left-hand driving was the global norm. Advantages and disadvantages of right-hand and left-hand driving: The primary advantage of left-hand driving stems from the human body's instinct to avoid harm. When moving forward rapidly and encountering sudden danger, people instinctively lean to the left, which helps protect the heart. The benefit of right-hand driving is that it allows drivers to maintain control of the steering wheel more easily with their left hand while using the same hand to perform complex actions like shifting gears and operating the dashboard. Since the vast majority of people are right-handed, driving on the right side is generally more advantageous.
This driving habit is closely related to my daily experience. Having driven for over a decade, driving on the right feels particularly smooth. With the steering wheel on the left, the field of vision is broader, making it easier to observe oncoming traffic when turning, naturally enhancing safety. China officially adopted the right-hand traffic rule in 1946, influenced by the post-World War II United States. At that time, the modern transportation system was just being established, and to align with international standards, this approach was adopted. Historically, even in ancient times when riding horses for battle, people kept to the right because most held spears in their right hands, a habit passed down through generations. Today, highway intersections and road signs are all designed for right-hand traffic. If suddenly switched to left-hand driving, traffic would be chaotic. The benefits include reduced risk of head-on collisions, lower accident rates, and more intuitive operation for everyone. Overall, this system makes travel safer and more efficient, with lower maintenance costs.
