A 1909 Ford sales brochure noted that Ford moved the Model T steering to the left rather than the standard right hand position for cars of that time period. Their reasoning was that it was safer for passengers exiting on the right (curb side) rather than into the traffic lane due to the number of tractors and other agricultural equipment driving on the streets of many farming communities. Ford also noted that the left hand driving position allowed the driver better visibility and better judgment when passing oncoming vehicles. The popularity of the Model T made left hand steering the norm throughout the United States. (In 2009 the Model T turned 100 years of age!)