Why do some countries have the steering wheel on the right?
4 Answers
Some countries have the steering wheel on the right because their traffic regulations require vehicles to drive on the left side of the road. This placement helps maintain clear visibility for the driver and facilitates overtaking. Currently, there are two main traffic systems worldwide: driving on the right side and driving on the left side. Over time, different countries have developed their unique styles. The steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, and airplanes. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. It mainly consists of a frame, foam, and mounting clips or screw holes corresponding to the driver's airbag (DAB).
The reason for the steering wheel being on the right side has historical roots. According to my research, it dates back to ancient times when knights rode on the left side of the road, keeping their right hand free to wield weapons against enemies. This custom was preserved by the British and later codified into law. As the British Empire expanded through colonization, countries like India and Australia adopted this practice, and even Japan followed suit during the Meiji Restoration by copying British traffic rules. The United States, however, was an exception—having gained independence early and preferring to do things differently, it adopted left-hand drive. Today, around 60 countries and regions worldwide use right-hand drive and left-hand traffic, mostly former British colonies or places deeply influenced by British culture. History has its own inertia—habits formed over centuries aren’t easily changed.
I've driven through more than thirty countries and found that right-hand drive countries are closely related to geography. Island nations like the UK, Japan, and New Zealand historically relied on maritime trade with Britain, so they naturally adopted British rules. The situation is even more evident in Southeast Asia—Thailand uses right-hand drive because it borders Malaysia, with thousands of trucks crossing their shared border daily. Having the steering wheel on the same side avoids the hassle of switching vehicles at customs. Countries like South Africa, surrounded by the sea on three sides, drive on the left so drivers can better see coastal cliffs and reduce accidents. Geographically close countries often choose uniform rules—otherwise, just adapting to the steering wheel when driving across borders would drive anyone crazy.
Driving a right-hand drive car on left-hand traffic roads does feel safer. I've tried driving a manual transmission in the UK, and left turns were particularly clear because the driver's seat is closer to the centerline, allowing earlier visibility of oncoming traffic. The view when overtaking is also more open, unlike in left-hand drive cars where the view can be blocked by the vehicle ahead. During a recent mountain road trip, sitting on the right side gave me a clear view of the cliff edge when turning. From a safety perspective, right-hand drive design allows passengers to exit towards the sidewalk, reducing the risk of door collisions. While one can adapt to both left and right-hand drive with experience, right-hand drive does offer some safety advantages in specific road conditions.
