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
driver’s 4582.
Questions or comments concerning this training and awareness aid can be directed
to Safety and Environmental Performance Management.
CREATED BY:
TOM SPENCER
DSI
Slice # 1 PORTLAND, OR
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 it’s 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 vehicle’s drivetrain.
CREATED BY:
TOM SPENCER
DSI
Slice # 2 PORTLAND, OR
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
Slice # 3 PORTLAND, OR
. ”Part-Time 4x4” FFV/CRV
DRIVING USPS (DRIVER MANUALY SHIFT USING SWITCH)
4X4 VEHICLES
Read owners manual
“Example FFV/LLV”
On how to engage system
Four-wheel drive WON’T
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
Slice # 4 PORTLAND, OR
DRIVING USPS
4X4 VEHICLES
BEFORE MOVING
DON’T BREAK TRACTION
Clean all windows &
mirrors Use (D2) or (D1) to move
forward
Clear any snow off the
hood, truck & roof. Shift to D on clear roads
and at highway speeds
Clear immediate area
around the wheels for Accelerate very gently
snow
Start vehicle & engage
the heater & defroster.
Reminder: “You must wear
“Never leave motor safety belts at all times
running if the driver is the vehicle is motion”
not behind the wheel”
CREATED BY:
TOM SPENCER
DSI
Slice # 5 PORTLAND, OR
DRIVING USPS
4X4 VEHICLES
DON’T BREAK TRACTION
Keep lots of distance START STOPPING
between you and SOONER. “DON’T
vehicle ahead (5-6 BREAK TRACTION”
seconds or more)
If you have anti-lock
Slow considerably brakes, firmly depress
before going into the pedal.
curves
If you don’t have ABS
Try to avoid having to brakes, gently but
stop while on an uphill rapidly; pump the
grade. Creep until the brake peddle. Don’t
way is clear or stop at panic, freeze-up or
the base of the hill hold the peddle down.
until the way is clear.
CREATED BY:
TOM SPENCER
DSI
Slice # 6 PORTLAND, OR
DRIVING USPS
4X4 VEHICLES
Potential Hazard Spots
Under Bridges: Snow and BLACK ICE: Where snow
Ice stay on the road melt or other water has
longer in these shaded run onto the road, it may
areas re-freeze and blend into
the road surface.
Snow & Ice Chunks:
Overpasses: Are These fall of the wheel
surrounded by cold air wells of vehicles. Hitting
thus freezing before these may cause you to
ground surfaces loose control of your
vehicle.
CREATED BY:
TOM SPENCER
DSI
Slice # 7 PORTLAND, OR