“Safety is Driven by You.”
Countless employees operate vehicles and powered equipment for the Postal Service™ every single day. Whether a carrier in a delivery office, a mail handler in a processing facility, or a logistics employee transporting mail, safe vehicle operation is essential to our daily operations and the success of the Postal Service.
Safe driving protects not only the organization and the people we serve, but most importantly, you and your coworkers. Every decision you make behind the wheel, in a facility, or on the road puts safety into action. Safety is driven by you!
Information for All USPS Drivers
Driving Safety Tips for Employees – Preventing Vehicle Incidents on the Job
Drivers are responsible for the safe operation of any vehicle they drive during the performance of their duties.
Protect yourself by following these tips:
n Only authorized and trained personnel may operate postal vehicles.
n You must have in your possession a valid state driver’s license when operating a postal motor vehicle or any motor vehicle when on Postal Service business.
n Obey all state and local traffic laws, and Postal Service regulations when driving any postal vehicle.
n Defensive driving is the best way to prevent vehicle accidents because it involves both the desire and the ability of a driver to control accident-provoking situations.
You are expected to drive all postal vehicles in a dependable, efficient, safe, and courteous manner.
Do the following to stay aware of your surroundings to drive safely:
n Don’t use devices that could diminish your ability to be aware of your surroundings, and cause distractions while operating a motor vehicle.
n Adjust for various weather or road conditions and remember, the situation can change rapidly due to sudden weather changes or road features.
n Always drive at a safe speed. Never exceed the speed limit.
n Move your vehicle only when you are absolutely certain that it is safe to do so, especially if children may be nearby.
n Scan the roadway. Keep your eyes moving and view the road as a whole. Look ahead and expect the unexpected.
n Always maintain a safe stopping distance.
Motor Vehicle Safety Includes Powered Equipment, Including Forklift Operation
The ability to drive a car or truck does not qualify you to operate a forklift or other pieces of powered industrial equipment. Each type of equipment operates differently and requires specific skills, training, and authorization.
Forklifts present unique hazards because they handle heavy loads, have a different turning radius, cannot stop as quickly, and can tip over more easily. Unsafe forklift operation can cause it to tip over, the load to collapse, or could result in bystanders being struck by the machine, the forks, or the load. Powered industrial vehicle (PIV) operators must be properly trained, evaluated, and authorized to operate the type of vehicle they will be using.
The vehicle must be maintained in a safe operating condition and must be inspected by the operator before each operational tour.
Powered Industrial Vehicle Safety Reminders:
n Use your inspection checklist before operating the powered industrial vehicle to determine if it is in good working order and safe to operate. If it is not, remove it from service until it can be repaired.
n Observe the speed limits and slow down for corners, rough or sloping surfaces, and large loads. Honk the horn at intersections.
n Maintain awareness of your surroundings and keep travel paths clear. Report, spills, obstructions, or unsafe conditions immediately.
n When backing up, look in the direction of travel. Constantly scan the area for pedestrians or objects and proceed very slowly.
n Always stay within marked travel lanes and aisles, and slow down and use the horn to alert pedestrians when you travel across any marked or customary pedestrian traffic lanes.
n Use extreme caution around the edges of loading docks. The bridge plate must be secure before driving onto the truck you are loading or unloading.
Forklift Specific Reminders:
n To lift the load, insert the forks fully into the load before lifting. After slowly lifting the load, tilt it back so it will remain on the forks. Keep the forks low so you can see where you are going and to prevent tipping accidents. When the forklift is empty, the forks must be pointed downhill.
n Stay inside the operator’s cage: keep your head, arms, and legs inside, and never reach through the mast.
n When driving with a load, go forward up a slope, but back down the slope.
Safe vehicle operation involves many important practices, from staying focused and following safe driving techniques and procedures, to understanding the equipment you operate. One simple but critical action every driver can take is wearing a seat belt every time they drive. In a collision, a seat belt can be the difference between life and death. It helps keep you securely positioned and can reduce the risk of serious injury. Seat belts also help protect you during sudden stops or unexpected changes in vehicle movement.
Safe driving starts with the right knowledge, skills, and mindset. By changing attitudes about driving behavior and improving skills, the Postal Service can create and sustain a safety culture where everyone understands that their actions make a difference. “Safety is driven by you.”
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