Many cities prohibit turning to the left: these are reasons

Turn left This is more dangerous than you think. In fact, in some cities in the United States they literally banned this. It is true that now it is forbidden only during peak hours. But, if it goes well, it can be completely prohibited. And, according to experts, the execution of the intersection on the left can increase accidents, Deterioration of movement and increase gas costs. In order not to prohibit it.

It was recently published in Slope Interview with a doctor Vikash Gai, Professor of Civil Construction at the State University of Pennsylvania. This explained the reasons why the ban on turning to the left at the peak seems to be a good idea.

He pointed to some statistics, which indicates that it is not only ineffective. It is also dangerous. And the truth is that the problem it was possible to solve with the help of ring interchangesBut this is not a panacea. Therefore, in these cities there was no other to ban.

Why is it not good to turn left?

In countries in which he circulates on the right, such as the United States and Spain, when you turn to the right, you join the movement that goes in this direction. However, when turning to the left, this is necessary Cross the area in which the traffic circulates more in the opposite direction. This makes it necessary Wait a hole or use traffic lights What stops traffic in this regard. No option is freed from the shortcomings.

If we are waiting for the hole, we can believe that we are approaching when we really do not do, and that we crash with another vehicle when turning left. Or we can storm the movement behind us if we think too much about it.

On the other hand, if traffic lights are used, movement in the opposite direction can be very overloaded, especially during peak hours.

Why do no ring interchanges do not serve?

Ring interchanges reduce risk because All traffic circulates in one direction. The problem is that they got stuck very easily. Except, They take up a lot of spaceTherefore, you can not replace all the intersections to the left with ring interchanges. It would be necessary to bring down the buildings or remove the sidewalks.

How ordinary accidents about turning left?

According to a study in the United States in 2010, 40 % of traffic accidents occur at intersections. Of these accidents, 61 % meet, turning to the left. In addition, accidents at intersections, 50 % cause serious injuries, and 20 % – mortal. There are many reasons to reduce turns on the left.

What cities have already done this?

In the United States, it was forbidden to turn left in the peak time in cities such as San Francisco, Solta -Loik -City and Birmingham, in Alabama. As a rule, all turns are not prohibited in this regard. Only those that are found in areas with a large amount of traffic, usually From 7 to 9 in the morning or from 16 to 18 o’clock in the afternoon.

Is it true that more gasoline is spent with these turns?

It was evident that if you cannot turn left, cars should circulate more. For example, they will have to turn a full turn to the block to replace the missing intersection. However, the counterpoint is that Less time was spent And this, for fuel purposes, is more profitable. Elimination of turns on the left during peak It is spent 10 % and 15 % less fuel. All advantages.

This, in fact, is what was known for a rather long time. There are messaging companies such as UPS, which develop routes of their drivers, minimizing turns on the left to save time and fuel. After the implementation of this measure in 2004, they note that every year They saved 37 million liters of fuel and 20,000 tons of carbon emissionsField except They were able to deliver another 35,000 packages.

Seeing so, they want to imitate them. There is nothing to see than other countries, for example Dominican RepublicThey are already copying the initiative. Will we see this in the near future in many other places?