Why are drivers on the left/right of a car, when having the driver dead set in the middle would grant better vision on both sides?

Question

I’m sure it has to do something with direction of traffic and what not, but I think it’s just more natural that way no?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

Sitting on one side allows for more passengers in the front seats. Some early automobiles and trucks did use a center-driver layout, but it isn’t an efficient use of space within the cabin if you want more people than just the driver to fit in there. You still occasionally see it on special use vehicles and exotic sports cars.