Why Indian cars have steering wheels on the right side

The placement of steering wheels on the right side of cars in India might seem unusual to those familiar with left-hand-drive countries, but this arrangement has a logical, historical basis tied to driving conventions that date back centuries.

The practice of driving on the left side of the road, which dictates the steering placement on the right, was introduced to India during British colonial rule, a system that continues to this day.

But how did this convention originate, and why was it carried over into modern-day vehicles?

In ancient times, people commonly travelled by horseback or horse-drawn carriages, and driving on the left side of the road with the driver sitting on the right side was a practical choice.

Horse-drawn carriage drivers preferred to sit on the right so they could see and control the animals more effectively.

Sitting on the right gave them a clear view of any oncoming traffic, allowing them to steer clear of obstacles and other carts, making the arrangement not only practical but also safe.

The British, who ruled India from the mid-18th century until 1947, standardized this left-hand driving practice in their colonies, including India, with drivers’ seats positioned on the right to maintain control and visibility.

This convention persisted when horse-drawn carriages were replaced by motor vehicles. As cars became the primary mode of transportation, the driver’s seat and steering wheel remained on the right side.

It offered drivers the same benefits of visibility, allowing them to navigate and overtake safely.

After India’s independence in 1947, the country chose to continue with left-side driving, which, by extension, kept the driver’s seat and steering wheel on the right.

While India maintained the British driving system, countries in the West, such as the United States and much of Europe, adopted a different standard—driving on the right side of the road with steering wheels on the left.

This contrasting approach likely stemmed from different historical preferences and the ease of adapting vehicles to suit their specific road infrastructure.

Today, approximately 35% of the world’s population follows left-hand driving, including India, Japan, the UK, and other former British colonies.

The right-hand steering wheel configuration remains a distinguishing feature in these countries, rooted in historical tradition and adapted to ensure that drivers have optimal visibility and control on roads that follow left-hand traffic rules.

The right-side steering wheel placement in Indian cars is a legacy of British influence and the practicality that early carriages provided.

This historical decision has carried through generations, forming a part of India’s traffic regulations and influencing how vehicles are designed for safety and ease of navigation on the left side of the road.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on October 04, 2018

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1547175