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steering column

(@newbe)
Posts: 7
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Where do the majority of cars in STX have the steering column --on the right or left? How about the ones sold locally through dealers? Since it is a left hand drive I figured laws would require a right hand steering column.?

 
Posted : May 9, 2008 11:55 pm
Trade
(@Trade)
Posts: 3904
Famed Member
 

Nope. Most cars have it on the left since they come from the US.

 
Posted : May 10, 2008 12:00 am
(@newbe)
Posts: 7
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks for the reply!
Did anyone ever hear of the headlamps having to be readjusted for left-hand driving?

 
Posted : May 10, 2008 12:35 am
(@terry)
Posts: 2552
Famed Member
 

No, they just blind everyone. Part of the problem, many of the newer cars have lights with fluting that projects the light away from on coming car to the left, and lights up the right hand side of the road for street signs and such. Of course when driving on the other side, it is a real issue. They can be adjusted a little, but not a lot.

 
Posted : May 10, 2008 5:56 am
(@jim_dandy)
Posts: 1057
Noble Member
 

Driving on the left with the steering wheel on the left is relatively easy for most people. You just position the car in your lane by keeping your left shoulder aligned with the left side of the road. The only difficulty with this set up is if you are behind a truck it is hard to pass because you can't see around the truck without pulling out into oncoming traffic. The problem many people seem to have at first is when making a right turn to be sure they cross over to the far lane.

If you have a car with right hand drive it is more difficult to keep your position. Also you need to learn how to use your left hand to shift and operate the controls. With a manual transmission the shift pattern is the same, but now you are pulling the shift lever towards you instead of pushing it away from you.

When I went to Scotland and rented a car with right hand drive I had many problems driving on the narrow roads with round abouts. When I am in Antigua I only rent a car if I can get one with left hand drive.

Jim

 
Posted : May 10, 2008 4:32 pm
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