Why Indian Cars Have the Steering Wheel on the Right-Hand Side

It is a well-known fact that cars in India, like in several other countries, have the driver's seat and the steering wheel on the right-hand side. This configuration is important for the safety and convenience of the driver. Here, we delve into the reasons behind why right-hand drive has become the standard in many countries and how it affects drivers and transportation systems.

The Logic Behind Right-Hand Drive

Firstly, it makes tremendous sense to have the driver and the steering wheel on the same side of the car and preferably, directly alongside the front row of seats. This positioning ensures a clear and unobstructed view of the road, which is crucial for safe driving. Additionally, having the pedals and the steering wheel on the same side significantly improves the driver's comfort and control over the vehicle. Reaching over to the other side would undoubtedly hinder the driver's ability to focus on the road, leading to potential accidents.

The optimum configuration package consists of the pedal, steering wheel, and driver all on one side. This arrangement has proven to be effective and user-friendly over the years, despite being an accidental discovery in many nations, including India. For decades, this configuration has been standard in the UK, its former colonies like India and Australia, and other countries such as Japan.

The Historical Context

In countries where right-hand drive is the norm, the cars are built specifically to accommodate this arrangement, with the driver sitting on the left-hand side of the vehicle. The reverse is true for left-hand drive, where the driver sits on the right side. This difference is due to the direction in which the cars are driven on the roads. In countries driving on the right-hand side, the driver's position is on the left, and vice versa.

India adopted right-hand drive during the British colonial period. All the vehicles that entered the country during that era were right-hand drive. Ever since, the required infrastructure for right-hand drive vehicles has been in place. This decision has had a lasting impact on the automobile industry and driving practices in the country, shaping the current driving standards and norms.

The Argument for Right-Hand Drive

Some argue that there are minimal advantages when comparing right-hand drive to left-hand drive. However, for countries like India, the adoption of right-hand drive had its benefits during the colonial era. The infrastructure and training systems were already geared towards right-hand drive, making the transition smoother for both drivers and the transportation system.

From a safety perspective, right-hand drive ensures that the driver can maintain a clear view of the surrounding traffic, especially in densely populated urban areas. Despite the similarities in driving standards, the difference in steering side can be crucial in scenarios where split-second decisions are necessary. Additionally, right-hand drive has simplified manufacturing and logistics for the automotive industry, as most vehicles are built for right-hand drive.

Lastly, it is worth noting that while the debate over headlight direction (forward versus backward) may seem trivial, it is still an important consideration. In the context of driving on the right-hand side, headlamps are typically positioned to illuminate the left side of the road, ensuring that the driver can see the relevant traffic, pedestrians, and obstacles.

Conclusion

The decision to make cars in India right-hand drive was not random. It was a strategic choice made during the British colonial era, which has since influenced the entire automotive landscape of the country. While there may be similarities between left and right-hand drive, the practical advantages of right-hand drive make it the standard in India. Understanding and respecting these differences can enhance both driver safety and overall transportation efficiency.