Why Cars in India and Other Former British Colonies Have the Steering Wheel on the Right

The positioning of the steering wheel on the right side of the car in India and other former British colonies, such as the United Kingdom, is a fascinating aspect of global automotive history. This configuration isn't just a design quirk but a reflection of historical and practical factors that have shaped driving norms across different parts of the world.

Historical Context and Logic

Optimizing Driver Positioning

The most practical reason for placing the steering wheel on the right side is that it aligns the driver with the front seats and pedals. It makes a great deal of sense for the car driver and the steering wheel to be on the same side of the car, preferably in juxtaposition with the front row of seats. This placement ensures that the driver can control the vehicle while maintaining an unobstructed view of the road.

Impact of Pedal Positioning

Moreover, the steering wheel should be positioned on the same side as the pedals. Reaching over the center of the vehicle to operate the pedals and steering wheel would significantly alter the driver's perspective, creating unnecessary hazards. The steering wheel, pedals, and driver's seat are all part of the optimal configuration package for a safe driving experience.

It is noteworthy that the positioning of the steering wheel on the right side and the pedals on the left side is an accidental but pleasant discovery, following numerous years of confusion in many nations, particularly in India. This convention was established due to historical and practical reasons, rather than being a deliberate choice.

Car Manufacturer Influences and Consumer Behavior

The vehicle manufacturers produce cars with the driver on the right side, but why these configurations became the standard in the places they are is another matter altogether. This question delves into the economic, political, and cultural factors that drive consumer choice and industry standards.

British Influence and Knighthood Tradition

The driving side of the car was influenced by the historical context of British rule. In Britain and its colonies, people drive on the left side of the road. This tradition stems from the British imperial era, where knights passed each other on the road. They would signal to each other by showing their dominant hand, which was a way to determine if the approaching rider was another knight or a potential assailant. This tradition had a significant impact on driving conventions in the former British colonies.

Political Decisions and Traffic Accidents

One of the most insightful examples of the impact of political decisions on driving conventions is the case of Burma. In the early 20th century, the dictator U Nu of Burma declared that the country would change from driving on the left to the right. This decision was based on his perception of driving on the left being "leftist." The abrupt change caused significant confusion and increased traffic accidents, especially at bus stops. Drivers and passengers had to disembark in the middle of the road, leading to chaos.

Left vs Right: A Global Perspective

The orientation of the steering wheel and the driving side of the car reflects a broader pattern of left-right alignment in traffic systems. In countries where people drive on the left side of the road, the driver sits on the right side of the vehicle, and vice versa. This alignment is not arbitrary but rather a result of established conventions and historical practices.

For instance, the United States and its territories, which did not fall under British colonial rule, have traditionally driven on the right side of the road. Consequently, cars in these regions are equipped with the steering wheel on the left side. This difference highlights the impact of historical and cultural factors on driving norms.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The steering wheel on the right side of the car is deeply rooted in the history and cultural practices of many nations. It is not just a design choice but a reflection of the historical and practical considerations that have shaped driving conventions. As more countries explore the benefits of merging or adopting best practices in road safety, the future of driving conventions may see more harmonization, but the historical context of the Indian subcontinent and other former British colonies will continue to influence driving practices around the world.