Related: Safety Goes Virtual at UPS
U.S. Postal Service Using VR to Train Drivers
The U.S. Postal Service has begun using a virtual reality-based simulator to train drivers in its Brooklyn, New York, and Tampa, Florida, districts, according to the company that provides the equipment.
by Staff
October 26, 2017
Photo courtesy of VDI.
1 min to read
Photo courtesy of VDI.
The U.S. Postal Service has begun using a virtual reality-based simulator to train drivers in its Brooklyn, New York, and Tampa, Florida, districts, according to the company that provides the equipment.
The USPS, which implemented the program in 2015, has seen a 7% reduction in accidents in New York and has reduced crashes in Tampa as well, according to Virtual Driver Interactive (VDI), which provided the systems. The simulator-based training program, known as Virtual HD, has also been used by UPS.
The USPS initially implemented the program at its Triboro District, which delivers mail and parcels in the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. Andrea Maddicks, the district's transportation manager, wanted training with "an innovative approach in reducing accidents in a cost-effective and engaging method," according to VDI.
After purchasing and implementing a VDI desktop driving simulator with the Virtual HD program, the Triboro District saw a 7% reduction in MVS driver motor vehicle accidents in 2016. The reduction continued through May.
Following the successful results in New York, Maddicks recommended that the USPS Suncoast District pilot the program. So far, the program has reduced crashes. Maddicks has now added simulation training.
UPS has worked with VDI since 2006. UPS began testing a VDI simulator in April of 2014 that was built using a graphical gaming engine.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Safety
When Work Trucks Under 26,001 Pounds Need IRP Registration
Think trucks under 26,001 pounds are automatically in the clear when it comes to IRP? Not always. Learn where lighter vehicles can still run into trip permit, apportioned registration, and IFTA compliance requirements when crossing state or provincial lines.
Read More →
Volvo Trucks Releases New Safety Recommendations for Traveling with Pets
One of the most important recommendations for professional drivers traveling with pets is to ensure pets are properly restrained while the truck is moving. Other tips are available in the new guide from Volvo Trucks North America and Center for Pet Safety.
Read More →
API Issues Refueling Safety Guidelines
The American Petroleum Institute offers a list of safe vehicle refueling guidelines, including ways to avoid potential problems with static electricity discharges in fall, winter, and early spring.
Read More →
Winter Fleet Prep: Expert Tips to Keep Vehicles Running Smoothly
Cold weather can expose weak batteries, tires, fuel systems, and maintenance gaps fast. Use this winter fleet checklist to prepare trucks and drivers before temperatures drop.
Read More →
When a Work Truck Breaks Down, the Job Can Stop, Too
A work truck breakdown can stop more than the vehicle. Discover how payloads, jobsites, and specialty equipment change the roadside response.
Read More →
What Stronger Long-Term Fleet Service Partnerships Actually Require
Fleet service partnerships rarely fall apart all at once. Learn the three warning signs that trust is eroding and what fleets and providers can do before downtime, frustration, and lost revenue follow.
Read More →
Applause & TRUCE Software Partner to Improve Driver Safety Through AI-Powered Telematics & Employee Performance Management
Applause has integrated TRUCE driving metrics directly into its employee-first performance and safety platform that transforms mobile devices into AI-powered telematics.
Read More →
How Detroit Assurance with Active Brake Assist Works
Do you want to see what it is like to experience Detroit Assurance’s Active Brake Assist? In this video, Work Truck will put you in the cab to see how it all works and then hear more details from DTNA’s Mike Young.
Read More →
Get Left of Loss: A 5-Step Workplace Violence Prevention Framework for Fleet Operators
Violence risks do not stop at the driver’s door. Learn five practical steps fleets can take to spot threats early and protect workers before loss occurs.
Read More →
Sponsored•July 17, 2026
How Better Visibility Cut Speeding Violations by 48%
Fleet leaders don't need more data, they need clearer visibility into what the data is saying. This case study explores how one utility replaced speeding-event counts with a single metric — miles driven in violation — to strengthen safety and significantly reduce speeding violations.
Read More →