What Are the Benefits of a Right Side Drive Car?

Right-hand drive cars are good for driving on the left side of the road.

While most countries have their citizens drive on the right side of the road, with steering wheels on the left, there are a substantial number of countries who do the opposite. This means that a car with right-hand drive is not just advantageous in these countries, it is sometimes required.

Road Centering

The main reason for a right-hand drive car is so that the driver is situated towards the center of the road when he is driving on the left. This makes passing people easier and also makes it easier to judge the amount of distance to either side.

Passenger Safety

Another advantage of a right-hand drive car is passenger safety. When you park a car on the left side of the road, with the passenger on the left side of the car, he has to get out on the sidewalk rather than onto the street. This is much safer, particularly with children.

Special Vehicles

Finally, some vehicles have right-hand drive functions because of their specialized needs. The best example of this is American mail trucks--their steering wheel is on the right side because this puts the mail carrier closer to the mailbox.

References

• Telenet Service: Why do Some Countries Drive on the Right and Others on the Left?