Apparently this is old news, but there was a spotlight on this story on the evening news last night and it was the first time I heard about it. Maybe you’re in the dark along with me. The story was on UPS and how they strongly believe that making as many right turns on any particular route as possible (and avoiding lefts) conserves fuel and energy. They’ve even developed software to map their drivers’ routes to use this method. Very interesting! I tried it this morning on my way to work. There is no way to get to work without making at least two left turns – one way consists of one right and two lefts and another way is two lefts and three rights. Do more rights make it better? I don’t know. I’m still going to try this method out when I go places. It can’t hurt!
[tags]UPS, fuel conservation, right turns, no left turns[/tags]
Gee — I wonder if two wrong turns make one right!
Do you think it has anything to do with waiting to cross oncoming traffic? Add in the possiblity of turning right on red (with caution, of course!) in many areas, and yes, I would imagine those big ole trucks might get slightly better mileage.
I didn’t know about UPS, but when I was a pizza driver, that was always my method of operation. Not so much to save energy, but it definitely saved me time, especially at intersections that didn’t have a turn light or lights at all. I still try to plan my routes by the convenience of as many right turns as possible.
I agree it makes sense as there is less waiting and idling therefore you conserve energy and time.