Why Walk Around the Vehicle Counterclockwise?

[Noelle]

Safety inspection before getting into the car. The method of safety inspection is to walk around the vehicle counterclockwise for inspection. The content of the safety inspection includes two parts: observing whether there are pedestrians and obstacles around the vehicle, and checking the technical condition of the vehicle tires, whether there is any abnormality on the body surface, and whether there are any drip marks on the road surface under the vehicle. Additional information: Discovering foreign objects to avoid financial loss. No matter where the car is parked, it is impossible to fully predict what might happen. For example, there might be stones in a corner in front of the car, or sharp objects such as nails. Therefore, walking around the vehicle allows observation of the surrounding situation to avoid unnecessary losses.

[LeviRose]

I've been driving for over a decade and have developed the habit of walking counterclockwise around my car before getting in – and this isn't just a casual stroll. Think about it: in our country where we drive on the right side of the road, the driver's seat is on the left. After getting out, standing on the left side makes it most convenient to start the inspection from that side. First, check if the left front tire has any leaks or scratches, then move counterclockwise to see if there's any obstacle like a curb blocking the front of the car. When you reach the right side, you can simultaneously keep an eye on the traffic flow to avoid being hit. Finally, at the rear, you can check if the rear bumper has any scratches. This whole process allows you to inspect both the tires and the car body while also ensuring safety. Walking clockwise would be much more dangerous with the right side being closer to the road traffic.

[Debbie]

When I was taking my driver's license test, the instructor specifically emphasized that I must walk around the car counterclockwise. This rule has a scientific basis. Since we drive on the right side of the road, when you exit the driver's seat and stand on the left side of the vehicle, walking counterclockwise to inspect the right side of the car allows you to face the direction of traffic, enabling you to observe oncoming vehicles at all times. If you were to walk clockwise, when inspecting the right side of the car, your back would be to the traffic, making it impossible to see if a car suddenly approaches from behind. Additionally, walking in this direction ensures that every corner is checked, such as items caught in the door handles or children crouching at the rear of the car. These details are all related to life safety.