USPS · Situational Judgment

You are loading your mail vehicle in the parking lot and notice another carrier's vehicle has its lights left on. What do you do?

  1. A Ignore it — it's not your vehicle
  2. B Let the carrier know before they leave so their battery doesn't drain — a small action that prevents a problem
  3. C Turn off the lights yourself without telling them
  4. D Report it to the postmaster as a safety violation

Why this is the answer

This scenario tests team orientation and common sense. Notifying your colleague about the lights left on is a simple, helpful action that prevents a vehicle problem. It costs you nothing and demonstrates the kind of team-minded behavior USPS values. Neither ignoring it nor escalating to the postmaster is the right balance — direct, collegial notification is appropriate.
Source: USPS 474 VEA, Team Orientation