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

U.S. Postal Service Using VR to Train Drivers — *Photo courtesy of VDI.*

1 min to read

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.

Topics:USPS Drivers Virtual Reality Virtual Driver Interactive Driver Training Safety

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Safety

A shot of a Volvo electric vehicle with a man charging it in front of a residence.

Top 50 Executive Fleets

It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!

Promotional image announcing a partnership between TRUCE and Applause, featuring a driver’s hands on a steering wheel to represent connected fleet technology, driver safety, and mobile device management.

Safety•by News/Media Release•July 30, 2026

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.

Work Truck “Trucks, Tips & Tours” promotional graphic featuring a vocational truck approaching a crash-test vehicle, highlighting Detroit Assurance collision mitigation technology with the headline “Collision Mitigation Explained.”

Safety•by Wayne Parham•July 21, 2026

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.

Black graphic with large white text reading “Stop Workplace Violence” framed by blue accent lines.

Safety•July 21, 2026

Get Left of Loss: A 5-Step Workplace 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.

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.