Right turns only!

Clearwater, FL-- UPS drivers are trying to save some gas by only making right turns. So, how do they do it? Tampa Bay's 10 News reporter Dave Balut explains.

UPS is known for its brown trucks. But here's something you may not know: the drivers of those trucks make it a point to only turn right.

It may sound strange, but after years of research, UPS discovered that when its trucks made mostly right turns they actually delivered better gas mileage.

What's the biggest difference with right turns?

Instead of wasting gas sitting in traffic, avoiding left turns keeps trucks moving and drivers have found they make deliveries faster by going right. It's also good news for UPS' bottom line. By turning right, the company says it saved over 3.3 million gallons of gasoline in 2007 alone.

"It's a huge amount, and we also shaved off a total of over 30 million travel miles for our drivers," according to Laura James, UPS' industrial engineering manager.

When absolutely necessary, drivers are allowed to make a detour and go left.

So how can you use the UPS strategy to save gas? Here are a few tips:

- Plan your route. Think about the best way to get around when running errands.

- Make a list of what you need so you don't end up going to the hardware or grocery store five times in a day.

- Avoid left turns. Waiting in traffic wastes gas.

- Turn off your car. UPS has a no idling policy. If you are going to be sitting in your car for more than 30 seconds, turn it off. You'll save gas.

Do you think this strategy would work for your family? Do you have gas-saving tips of your own? Leave us your comments.