The Mystery of Car Steering Wheels: Why Aren't They in the Middle?

When we think about cars, the steering wheel's position is something we rarely question. It's always on the left side in countries with right-hand traffic and on the right side in countries with left-hand traffic. In India, the steering wheel is positioned on the right side of the vehicle. This leads to an intriguing question: why isn't the steering wheel placed in the middle of the vehicle instead of always being on either the left or the right side?

The placement of car steering wheels on the left or right side instead of the middle has historical, practical, and safety reasons. Here's an overview:

Historical Development: The placement of steering wheels is largely influenced by historical practices. Early motor vehicles were influenced by the designs of horse-drawn carriages, where the driver typically sat on one side to have a better view of the road and oncoming traffic. As cars evolved, manufacturers kept the driver’s seat on one side for consistency and ease of use.

Road Orientation: In countries where vehicles drive on the right side of the road, the steering wheel is typically on the left, and vice versa. This placement provides drivers with a better view of the road ahead and easier access to the centerline, which is crucial for overtaking and navigating curves.

Safety Considerations: Having the steering wheel on one side allows for better positioning of the driver in relation to other vehicles. It also provides more space for the placement of important controls and safety features, such as airbags.

Practicality: Central steering wheels can create ergonomic challenges and make it difficult to design a comfortable and functional interior layout. Side placement allows for a more efficient use of space and easier access to controls.

Passenger Convenience: Side steering wheels allow for more convenient entry and exit for passengers, especially in vehicles with multiple rows of seating.

Vehicle Design and Ergonomics: Modern vehicle design takes into account the comfort and convenience of the driver and passengers. A centrally located steering wheel would complicate the design of the dashboard and controls, making it more difficult to reach essential functions. Additionally, the central placement would reduce space for passengers, particularly in the front seat, leading to a less comfortable and practical interior layout.

Cost and Manufacturing Efficiency: Car manufacturers aim to produce vehicles efficiently and cost-effectively. Standardizing the steering wheel placement on one side simplifies the production process and reduces costs. Introducing a centrally placed steering wheel would require significant changes in design and manufacturing, increasing production costs and complexity.

Specific Use Cases: Racing and Concept Cars 

Interestingly, some high-performance racing cars and concept vehicles do have centrally located steering wheels. In racing, this design can provide better weight distribution and balance, enhancing performance. Concept cars often feature unique designs to showcase innovation and futuristic ideas. However, these examples are exceptions rather than the norm in everyday vehicles.