Why do foreign cars have the steering wheel on the right?
2 Answers
When Karl Benz first 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 gearshift and brake, designers naturally placed the driver's seat on the right. But as history evolved, only the UK, its former colonies, and a few other countries retained the steering wheel on the right side of the car. Below are specific details about why the steering wheel is on the right: 1. Traffic systems: There are currently two main traffic systems in the world—driving on the right and driving on the left. Approximately 90% of countries worldwide drive on the right, while the remaining drive on the left. 2. National implementation: Countries that drive on the left include the UK, Ireland, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc. Hence, their cars have the steering wheel on the right. In contrast, continental Europe, North America, China, and most countries worldwide follow the right-hand traffic rule, with the steering wheel designed on the left.
I've always been curious why some countries have right-hand drive cars, like Japan or the UK. It traces back to historical traffic customs: in ancient times, British knights rode on the left to avoid weapon clashes, which later evolved into driving rules, so the steering wheel was designed on the right to help drivers observe left-side traffic. Japan adopted the British system after the Meiji Restoration. Meanwhile, France promoted left-hand drive because Napoleon wanted to standardize it. These historical legacies created today's differences, and I always have to carefully adapt to different driving positions when traveling.
