Why Do Only Chinese Cars Drive on the Left Side?
1 Answers
It is not only China that drives on the left side. Chinese cars drive on the left because the traffic direction in our country is right-hand drive. Following the principle of placing the driver's seat closer to the centerline of the road ensures better road safety, which is why vehicles in China are left-hand drive. In general, the distinction between left-hand and right-hand drive cars depends on whether the local traffic is left-hand or right-hand drive. The position of the driver's seat is closely related to the country's traffic regulations. For example, in China, where traffic keeps to the right, placing the driver's seat on the left ensures that the driver is closer to the center of the road, providing better visibility on the left side. If an oncoming vehicle approaches, the driver can observe it immediately, making it easier to maneuver and avoid collisions. Conversely, in countries that favor left-hand traffic, the driver's seat is placed on the right for the same reasons. Traffic direction can be divided into two categories: driving on the left side of the road and driving on the right side of the road. 34% of countries drive on the left, while 66% drive on the right. If calculated by road mileage, 28% of the world's drivable roads are left-hand traffic, and 72% are right-hand traffic. There are 75 countries and regions that drive on the left, and 165 that drive on the right. Right-hand drive, left-hand traffic countries are primarily island nations like the UK, Japan, and former British Commonwealth regions such as Hong Kong and Australia. Left-hand drive, right-hand traffic countries are mostly continental nations like the United States and China.
