Why are mail trucks right hand drive
In the United States, mail trucks, also known as postal vehicles, are typically right-hand drive (RHD) for a few historical and practical reasons:
- Early postal vehicles: The first postal vehicles in the United States were horse-drawn carriages, which were designed with the driver sitting on the right side to facilitate loading and unloading mailbags. This layout was carried over to early motorized postal vehicles, which were often converted from existing vehicles or built from scratch.
- Urban delivery: In the early days of mail delivery, postal carriers primarily delivered mail in urban areas, where streets were often narrow and congested. Right-hand drive allowed carriers to easily exit the vehicle and navigate through tight spaces while keeping their left hand free to handle mailbags and packages.
- Safety: In the 1920s and 1930s, when postal vehicles were becoming more widespread, there were concerns about safety. Right-hand drive was seen as a safer option because it allowed the driver to keep an eye on pedestrians and other vehicles while exiting the vehicle, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Standardization: As the United States Postal Service (USPS) standardized its fleet, right-hand drive became the de facto standard. This made it easier to manufacture and maintain vehicles, as well as train drivers and mechanics.
- Cost savings: In the past, converting vehicles to left-hand drive (LHD) would have required significant modifications, including changing the steering column, pedals, and potentially even the entire dashboard. Right-hand drive was seen as a more cost-effective option, especially for a large fleet like the USPS.
Today, while some postal vehicles may be LHD, the majority of USPS vehicles remain RHD. However, with the increasing use of alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles, some newer postal vehicles may be designed with LHD to accommodate modern safety features and driver preferences.