Why are vehicles designed to have drivers opposite from the curbside?

Question

No matter where in the world, that I've seen, the drivers are always on the "outside", passengers are curbside. Why is this?

Answer 1

To prevent head-on collision.

If the steering wheels were on the other side, more cars would end up clipping each other on narrow 2 way streets.

Good Luck...

Answer 2

carpool lanes at public places, but good point, if it was otherside we could check mail w/o leaving our car

Answer 3

So you can see to pass when your on a two lane road, if you were sitting by the curb you wouldn't be able to see past other vehicles especially if it was a van or bigger.

Answer 4

I never thought about it before, but I would guess it's because the driver then has a better view of the road, especially oncoming traffic.

Answer 5

think of it this way

most drivers tend to stay to the right of a lane so where they sit is centered.since this is what most do we would have a lot more head on collisions and clipping if the driver was curbside