You likely make a lot of left turns when you drive. Yet, research suggests you might want to consider changing this.
More crashes occur when someone is making a left turn than when someone is making a right turn. The reason is fairly obvious if you think about it. When you turn right, you just need to filter out of the flow of traffic. When you turn left, you need to cross the flow of vehicles that are coming toward you, so you are instantly dealing with vehicles traveling in two directions, rather than one.
Left turn crashes can also be more devastating, as they usually involve one vehicle getting hit side-on, and most of the protection in a car is designed for a hit from the front or rear.
What the evidence says
UPS looked at the evidence and decided to adjust the navigation software its drivers use to avoid them making left turns. Safety was not their only reason, though. They also realized it saved on fuel, as left turns often involve long waits for a gap or for the lights to change, which wastes fuel. On top of this, they found that while rerouting to make a right turn sometimes involves extra distance, it could often be quicker because the long waits to turn left were eliminated.
Even if reducing left turns were to make your journey take a little longer or cost you a little more in fuel, you may well find it less stressful. And if it helps you avoid a crash, then it will save you a lot more time and money than it costs you.
