No matter where in the world you ’re drive , steering wheel are usually built to be closer to the middle of the road rather than the edge . This situation hold the number one wood maximum visibility , thus give for safer travel . But there ’s a notable exception to this linguistic rule : In certainUSPStrucks , the driver seat is locate on the right field of the vehicle instead of the left . This intent characteristic makes parts of a postal doer ’s job easier , but it also amount with safety concerns .

According to a web log post fromCaseyGerry , right - sided steering wheels propose numerous advantages for ring armor delivery workers . In rural surface area , driver are able-bodied to deposit parcels into postbox without leaving their seats , saving them time and effort .

It ’s also better for the fomite . Postal worker are legally required to turn off the engine and take their keys with them every time they get out . All that start up and stop can wear out the equipment over time and shorten the truck ’s lifespan .

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Even in metropolis where mail needs to be delivered at the doorway , sitting on the right sideof the vehicle is pragmatic . Instead of potentially opening their door and step into traffic , postal worker can go directly from their seat to the sidewalk .

Reversing the standard layout for USPS truck was n’t a determination the administration made lightly . Even if they ’re limited to mail road , trucks with justly - sided steering wheels can be dangerous . They give the driver a poorer scene of on - issue forth dealings than they would get if they were pose nearer to the center of the route . For this reason , postal prole are n’t allowed to make U - turns or left-hand - bend while driving mail delivery truck . They’realso requiredto sodding about 12 hours of classroom and behind - the - bike preparation before they ’re permit to tug on the occupation .

Government postal worker are n’t the only rescue people banned from turning leave . UPS driversare ask to follow this same rule , but the reason has just as much to do with efficiency as it does with safety .