UPS saves gas by turning right

[brian]

UPS Drivers Save Gas By Turning Right

ORLANDO, Fla. -- UPS officials said they've found a way for their delivery trucks to save money on gas by avoiding left-hand turns.

Route planners for the postal service company claimed they do all they can to circumvent left-hand turns for their drivers. They said that idling and waiting in the turn left turn lane costs UPS a ton of money.

Drivers have been assigned routes with mostly right-hand turns.

Last year, UPS saved $3 million by using this method, officials said.

And the drivers themselves have given the plan their vote of approval.

"It's great because we don't have to cut across traffic and go in and out," said UPS driver John Mancini. "We just go and stay with the right-hand turns and stay with the flow of traffic."

Mancini and other drivers said that it works so well, they are now employing the same tactic in their personal errands.

[lswot]

Well.....after I had my accident (making a left hand turn) I avoid them, too. Had no idea I was 'saving' gas.

[Xjmt]

When my wife first got her driver's license she planned her route to work without using any left turns across traffic.

[AnneB]

I can't get to work or back home without left turns. And even if I could, there are a dozen red lights in the 15-mile drive.

[Xjmt]

She didn't have a lot of left turn lanes back then but there's more now. That's a big help. IF the other drivers are capable of understanding.

[lswot]

Basically......if I HAVE to make a left turn it is ONLY at a left turn lane with that arrow.
After my wreck someone decided to put in a left had turn lane with an arrow, at that intersection.

[Xjmt]

After my wreck someone decided to put in a left had turn lane with an arrow, at that intersection

I have to wonder just how many accidents occured there, including yours, before the numbskulls in charge spent some money on something other than their acquaintances and family.

[lswot]

That I don't know......but, I'm sure it was more than once.

[Fallstar]

That is really interesting (the UPS article)! I live and work in a small town, so it's only about 6 miles to work for me. I start out having to make a left hand turn out of my driveway, and onto a busy avenue. From home to work I have to make three left turns, luckily only the first one makes me sit and idle (sometimes for 5 minutes).

[lswot]

Sounds dangerous.......

[Xjmt]

Sounds dangerous.......

...and frustrating and annoying and stressful but I'll leave out the dialogue and hand signals.