Why is the steering wheel on the left in China?
2 Answers
China's steering wheel is on the left because: China's traffic rules require driving on the right side, and drivers with the steering wheel on the right cannot see the traffic conditions and road conditions behind them. The car steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device that controls the driving direction. It is connected to the steering shaft through splines, converting the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque and transmitting it to the steering shaft. The buttons on the steering wheel include: 1. SET for setting speed; 2. CNL for canceling cruise control; 3. RES for resuming cruise control; 4. Up and down for volume adjustment. Precautions for using the car steering wheel are: 1. Do not turn the steering wheel to the extreme when turning; 2. Avoid forcibly twisting the steering wheel.
I remember that the steering wheel in China is on the left mainly because the nationwide right-hand traffic rule was implemented after 1946, following the standards of the United States and many continental countries. Before that, some regions drove on the left with right-hand drive, similar to the UK. After the rule change, the steering wheel was moved to the left. This adjustment was quite reasonable—considering the driver's position allows for better observation of roadside conditions, and when parking, the door can be opened directly without blocking the road, reducing accident risks. Additionally, road designs like curves and intersections require unified right-hand coordination, improving overall safety and efficiency. Once accustomed, driving feels much smoother. Having the steering wheel on the right would feel awkward, especially in congested cities where roadside parking is much more convenient. Globally, this rule avoids traffic confusion and simplifies vehicle manufacturing for cross-border use.
