Why is the steering wheel on the right side of cars in Hong Kong?
4 Answers
Because Hong Kong adopts the right-hand traffic system used in foreign countries, the steering wheel of cars is designed on the right side. Below is relevant information about traffic systems: 1. Approximately 90% of countries worldwide implement the right-hand traffic system: Most countries choose to drive on the right side, while some island nations and others drive on the left. Driving on the right is considered safer because, in emergencies, most people instinctively turn the steering wheel to the right. Driving on the right side avoids veering into oncoming traffic lanes, reducing danger. 2. Mainland China has always used the left-hand traffic system: In ancient China, pedestrians, horses, and vehicles generally stayed and moved on the left side of the road, known as "left greeting." When greeting guests, people typically used their right hand for gestures, keeping their bodies on the left. Mainland China has always adopted the left-hand traffic system, so the steering wheel is naturally on the left.
As a long-time local resident of Hong Kong, I've seen the steering wheel on the right side of cars ever since I can remember. The reason is that Hong Kong was once a British colony, and the British are accustomed to driving on the left, so vehicles were designed with the steering wheel on the right to allow drivers a better view of the road ahead and oncoming traffic. The UK legislated left-hand driving as early as the 19th century, and Hong Kong adopted this practice after being colonized. After the handover to China in 1997, the 'one country, two systems' policy allowed Hong Kong to maintain its original traffic system, avoiding the massive costs of altering road infrastructure and vehicles. Both my neighbors and I have grown accustomed to driving this way; having the steering wheel on the right and driving on the left feels safer, reducing blind spots and accidents. Today, Hong Kong still has a large number of right-hand drive vehicles, and switching to the mainland's system would cause confusion and incur expensive costs, so people prefer to maintain the status quo. Occasionally, when visiting Shenzhen, we Hong Kong drivers need to be extra careful to adapt to left-hand drive cars and right-hand traffic rules.
As an enthusiast studying traffic safety, I understand that the right-hand steering wheel in Hong Kong primarily stems from the traditional need for left-hand traffic. During the British colonial period, the left-hand traffic system was introduced, and vehicle designs accordingly placed the steering wheel on the right. This setup allows drivers to have a direct view of roadside pedestrians, signs, and oncoming traffic, thereby enhancing driving safety. Hong Kong's roads are narrow and winding, and the right-hand drive design positions the driver closer to the centerline of the road, reducing accident rates. After the handover, Hong Kong maintained this system for two main reasons: first, to avoid the enormous costs of redesigning road markings and intersections, and second, because citizens were already accustomed to it, and frequent changes would only increase risks. I've tried driving a mainland car with the steering wheel on the left and right-hand traffic, and it always felt like my visibility was restricted. Practically speaking, maintaining the status quo is simple and efficient, reducing the training costs for drivers transitioning between systems. Safety always comes first, and in Hong Kong's context, a right-hand steering wheel with left-hand traffic is more logical.
I've always been interested in Hong Kong's history, and the right-hand drive is a colonial legacy. The UK's 19th-century left-hand traffic rule was extended to its colonies, and Hong Kong inherited it during British rule. After the handover to China, the 'one country, two systems' principle allowed the city to retain its original laws, and keeping the traffic system unchanged was for social stability. Directly changing the system would be costly—all vehicles would need modifications, the road network would have to be rebuilt, and everyone would have to relearn. Hong Kong's roads are crowded, and right-hand drive paired with left-hand traffic optimizes driver visibility, reducing collision risks. I've discussed with friends that forcing a switch would not only be expensive but also make mainland tourists uncomfortable. About 30% of the world still drives on the left, and Hong Kong maintaining this tradition can be seen as a cultural feature.
