DRIVING USPS 4X4 VEHICLES

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DRIVING USPS 4X4 VEHICLES
The attached presentation is provided to assist
Driving Safety Instructors (DSIs) in the
familiarization, instruction, and sponsoring of
driver awareness on use of 4WD features and
capability on some of our delivery vehicles (LLV,
FFV). It is to be used at locations around the
country that have 4WD delivery vehicles in their
fleet. This presentation should be utilized
during the following components of the new hire
driver training program NSC- DDC, Vehicle
Familiarization, and Delivery Skills Course In
addition to new hire training the presentation
can be utilized for employee safety talks,
Refresher, and Driver Improvement training.
Document accordingly in the drivers
4582. Questions or comments concerning this
training and awareness aid can be directed to
Safety and Environmental Performance Management.
CREATED BY TOM SPENCER DSI PORTLAND, OR
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DRIVING USPS 4X4 VEHICLES
The Postal Service has many types of vehicles
that have Four-Wheel Drive capability. Always
read the vehicle OWNERS MANUAL before operating
these vehicles. Vehicle manufactures have
different systems and its the drivers
responsibility to know how to operate them.
Notice Driving in the 4-wheel High (4H) or
4-wheel Low (4L) position for a long time on dry
or wet pavement could shorten the life of your
vehicles drivetrain.
CREATED BY TOM SPENCER DSI PORTLAND, OR
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DRIVING USPS 4X4 VEHICLES
Three common types of Four-Wheel drive
systems 1. Part-Time 4x4 (DRIVER MANUALY
SHIFTS USING A LEVER OR SWITCH) Vehicle has
selectable 4x4 Power to all four wheels or
regular 4x2 Power to two wheels
only. Example FFV/LLV, JEEP Cherokee, Ford
explorer 2. Full Time 4x4 (NO ACTION BY
DRIVER TO ACTIVATE SYSTEM) Power to all wheels is
constantly provided transferring from front to
rear axles as needed. Example 1997
Aerostars 3. Auto 4x4 Automatic 4x4 is ideal
for use when road condition are variable. In this
mode the vehicle senses loss of traction and
automatically engages the four wheel drive system
CREATED BY TOM SPENCER DSI PORTLAND, OR
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. Part-Time 4x4 FFV/CRV
(DRIVER MANUALY SHIFT USING SWITCH)
DRIVING USPS 4X4 VEHICLES

• Read owners manual Example FFV/LLV
• On how to engage system
• Four-wheel drive WONT HELP YOU STOP on snow
  ice
• Four-wheel drive WILL help you get started and
  will help maintain control in snow.
• Only chains, cables, or studded tires help on ice!

CREATED BY TOM SPENCER DSI PORTLAND, OR
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DRIVING USPS 4X4 VEHICLES

• BEFORE MOVING
• Clean all windows mirrors
• Clear any snow off the hood, truck roof.
• Clear immediate area around the wheels for snow
• Start vehicle engage the heater defroster.
• Never leave motor running if the driver is not
  behind the wheel

• DONT BREAK TRACTION
• Use (D2) or (D1) to move forward
• Shift to D on clear roads and at highway speeds
• Accelerate very gently
• Reminder You must wear safety belts at all
  times the vehicle is motion

CREATED BY TOM SPENCER DSI PORTLAND, OR
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DONT BREAK TRACTION
DRIVING USPS 4X4 VEHICLES

• Keep lots of distance between you and vehicle
  ahead (5-6 seconds or more)
• Slow considerably before going into curves
• Try to avoid having to stop while on an uphill
  grade. Creep until the way is clear or stop at
  the base of the hill until the way is clear.

• START STOPPING SOONER. DONT BREAK TRACTION
• If you have anti-lock brakes, firmly depress the
  pedal.
• If you dont have ABS brakes, gently but rapidly
  pump the brake peddle. Dont panic, freeze-up or
  hold the peddle down.

CREATED BY TOM SPENCER DSI PORTLAND, OR
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DRIVING USPS 4X4 VEHICLES
Potential Hazard Spots

• BLACK ICE Where snow melt or other water has run
  onto the road, it may re-freeze and blend into
  the road surface.
• Snow Ice Chunks These fall of the wheel wells
  of vehicles. Hitting these may cause you to loose
  control of your vehicle.

• Under Bridges Snow and Ice stay on the road
  longer in these shaded areas
• Overpasses Are surrounded by cold air thus
  freezing before ground surfaces

CREATED BY TOM SPENCER DSI PORTLAND, OR