Did you know that some drivers almost always refuse to make left turns? Instead, they’d rather make three right turns to get to the same location.
Perhaps the most famous example of this involves UPS. Even though it takes longer to go around the block, delivery trucks will often do it, rather than making one left turn. For a company that has financial incentive to be as productive and efficient as possible, why would they do this?
Accident risks rise with left turns
The simple reason is that left turns are so much more likely to result in accidents that it’s less efficient to allow trucks to take this risk. One crash takes far more time and resources than making extra turns. It’s also far safer for the drivers to avoid those left turns.
Now, turning left may seem simple and safe, and it can be when done right. But there are also inherent risks, which you can’t avoid. A left turn on a two-way street, by definition, has to take you across an oncoming traffic lane. This means that each and every left turn depends on the driver’s personal judgment and the safe actions of other motorists. There are just too many things that can go wrong for this to be a safe practice overall.
What if you get into an accident?
For you, this may be an indicator that you should avoid left turns when you can. It is a safer way to drive. However, it’s not always an option. If another driver makes a mistake and injures you in an accident, you may be able to seek financial compensation.