Why is the steering wheel placed on the left or right and not in the centre of a car?

Answer 1

and where would the front seat passenger sit??? on your knee???lol

Answer 2

For practical reasons. The closer you are to side on which you cross other cars, the better for security; while passing other cars, for example.

Also, setting the steering wheel at the center of the vehicle is either space consuming or make a vehicle too large. Would you add two other seat on each side of the driver, thus putting you in the obligation to build a larger and more cumbersome car; or would you let this space wasted? A last problem is that it is less easy to get in a normal sized car if the seat is located at the center because it is too far from any of the two doors.

The sport's car McLaren has a steering wheel located at the center of the car, but it is an exceptional sport's car for people ready to sacrifice practical concerns on the autel of sensations.

Answer 3

Liberty Mutual Insurance actually rebuilt a car to safety specifications that included putting the driver in the middle. I sat in it in the Museum of Science and Industry. Among the reasons for putting the seat there were placing the driver in the middle of a smoothly curved windshield, and placing the driver above and ahead of passengers (who sat facing rear on either side) to reduce distractions.
Among the problems were: viewing sides of car when parking, getting in and out repeatedly on short trips, viewing forward when preparing to pass. Although it wasn't true as much when it was built, accessing ATM's and drive thru fast food would also be a problem.
Considering the attention given in getting in and out of a car when sitting next to the door, walking across the car, which had a higher roof, would be more of a hassle.
The steering shaft location was not a problem because the steering console was hydraulic (today fly-by-wire)

Answer 4

I think it all came down to what country your in. Thinking that the left hand turn from a far lane is the most difficult turn , the drivers wheel is located on the left, closest to the difficult turn. The opposite applies for countries that drive in the left lane with the wheel on the right side of the car. Although there are a few supercars out there with the drivers sit in the middle but its because of space limitations or esthetics.

Answer 5

There are at least two sports cars that I can think of (but can't remember their names) that have the steering wheel in the centre, one seat in the front and the usual (small) seats in the rear. Putting the driver to one side is about practicality - it is easier to see where you are in relation to an oncoming car - think about driving a British car on the continent - quite tricky to see where you are in relation to the other vehicle, and it is also more 'room-efficient' to have the driver to one side so you can fit a passenger in beside you.

Answer 6

I have driven a right hand drive vehicle in Germany and it was a nightmare trying to see round obstacles (parked cars) before moving out to go around them

If the steering wheel were in the center you would not be able to see either side when overtaking

Answer 7

bah stop moaning if you want a car with a centre steering wheel, buy a maclaren 8)

Answer 8

Hahahaha i can't believe someone asked that question I have said that to my friends a numerous amount of times and they just laughed but my boyfriend gave me the genuine idea that it would waste alot of space and its easier to reverse when you are on the left or the right

Answer 9

It's so you can see the road easier (i.e. the road on either side of the car) and also so that you are on the side of the car that other cars will pass so you can see the drivers etc.

Answer 10

Would you want someone siting on both sides of you when you are in the middle of busy traffic?

Answer 11

Buy yourself a formula one car or a robin reliant if you want!