Right Hand Drive in a Left Hand Drive World!
The Canadian government has relaxed import regulations and restrictions for the use of right hand vehicles on our roadways.
Historical Overview of Right Hand Drive Vehicles in Canada
After the war years these types of vehicles were largely collector cars imported as specialty vehicles, or chauffeur driven exotic and premium rides. Rolls Royce often comes to mind when the right hand drive image is foremost in people’s minds. There were very few of these types of vehicles licensed for our roads for the better part of several decades. All that has changed in recent years!
Rising Popularity of Right Hand Drive Vehicles in Canada
Today, more and more right hand drive vehicles are appearing in everyday driving situations. They have become daily driver types of transportation. They are inexpensive, high quality and have a lot of options.
Safety Concerns with Right Hand Drive Vehicles in Canada
But are they perceived as being safe by other drivers? Several vehicle insurance companies, both public and private, have asked that very question. Governments across Canada are looking into the crash rates of right hand vehicles. The crash rate for these types of vehicles is said to be twice the average, of left hand drive vehicles. There have been concerns expressed by traffic safety experts.
Visibility Challenges of Right Hand Drive Vehicles in Canada
For example, how does a driver do a safe pass on a two lane alternate direction road, at high speed? How does the driver of the right hand drive car see well ahead without leaning well into the oncoming lane to get a peek at approaching traffic? This has been the main concern for traffic safety and licensing authorities, particularly if the vehicle being passed is a large truck or van. Visibility is lacking when such a pass is attempted.
Solutions for Safe Driving in Right Hand Drive Vehicles in Canada
The drivers of these vehicles often rely on a passenger’s direction to initiate a safe pass. Some of the owners of the right hand drive vans sit higher than in a normal passenger car and have fewer visibility problems. Some have equipped their vehicles with mirror systems which see oncoming traffic. Drivers of the right hand drive vehicles are very likely to have trouble leaving a right side of the street parallel parking spot. The best advice is to attach convex mirrors to the side view mirrors of the car. This will allow for a much wider angular view of vehicle traffic, pedestrians and cyclists. Wherever possible the right hand drive operators actually seek out the parallel parking spaces on the left side of a one way street. This allows for much better visibility when leaving the parking space.
Perception of Right Hand Drive Vehicles in Canada
The manner, in which the right side drivers are perceived by others, is also a safety consideration. I will never forget the time I was following an SUV on the highway, when suddenly the driver jumped into the back seat. It appeared to me that the car was driverless, barrelling down the highway. It was a right hand driver, with a partner attending to children in the back seat. There are inherent misunderstandings when most pedestrians, cyclists, scooters and motorcyclists assume that the driver will be positioned on the left side of every vehicle.
Raising Awareness and Legal Requirements for Right Hand Drive Vehicles in Canada
We should all be more attentive to the right hand drivers around us. A legal requirement for a sign placement on the back of such vehicles, warning others of a right hand drive vehicle would be very much appreciated.
Why have right hand drive vehicles become more common in Canada in recent years?
The Canadian government has relaxed import regulations and restrictions for the use of right hand vehicles on Canadian roadways. As a result, more and more right hand drive vehicles are appearing in everyday driving situations.
Right Hand Drive Vehicles in Canada FAQs
Are right hand drive vehicles safe to drive in Canada?
There are concerns about the safety of right hand drive vehicles in Canada, particularly regarding visibility and passing on two-lane roads. According to some sources, the crash rate for right hand drive vehicles is twice the average for left hand drive vehicles.
Are there any specific challenges associated with driving a right hand drive vehicle in Canada?
Yes, there are specific challenges associated with driving a right hand drive vehicle in Canada. For example, visibility can be limited when passing on two-lane roads, and it may be more difficult to parallel park on the right side of the street.
What are some of the concerns that traffic safety and licensing authorities have raised regarding right hand drive vehicles?
Traffic safety and licensing authorities have raised concerns about visibility, passing on two-lane roads, and the lack of experience among new drivers who may not be used to operating a right hand drive vehicle.
How can drivers of right hand drive vehicles improve their visibility and safety while driving?
Drivers of right hand drive vehicles can attach convex mirrors to the side view mirrors of the car to improve visibility, and can also seek out parallel parking spaces on the left side of one-way streets for better visibility when leaving the parking space.
Are there any specific regulations or requirements in place for right hand drive vehicles in Canada?
There do not appear to be any specific regulations or requirements in place for right hand drive vehicles in Canada, but some insurance companies and traffic safety experts have raised concerns about their safety.
Are there any recommendations or best practices for drivers of left hand drive vehicles to interact with right hand drive vehicles on the road?
Drivers of left hand drive vehicles should be aware of the challenges faced by right hand drive vehicle operators, and should be more attentive to them on the road. Some have suggested that a legal requirement for a sign placement on the back of right hand drive vehicles, warning others of a right hand drive vehicle, would be helpful.
What can right hand drive vehicle owners do to make others aware of their unique driving situation?
Right hand drive vehicle owners can attach a sign to the back of their vehicle to warn others of their unique driving situation. They can also be proactive in seeking out parallel parking spaces on the left side of one-way streets for better visibility when leaving the parking space.
