U.S. Postal Service: Customers have driven through 8 offices this year | News

Tampa, Florida-- The U.S. Postal Service sent out a release this afternoon urging customers to, "Drive carefully at post offices" after tallying up a total of eight customers who have driven through Suncoast District Post Offices this year.

"Customers in Post Office parking lots may have their minds on everything but driving as they run their daily errands," which may contribute to the two main causes of the eight incidents: "stepping on the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal, or accelerating when the vehicle was in drive, and the customer thought it was in reverse," explains the release. 

As a result of the accidents, post offices in Punta Gorda, Leesburg, Fruitland Park, Lakeland, Goldenrod, Vero Beach, Wimauma, and Indian Rocks Beach have suffered damages ranging from fallen light posts and pillars, to cars crashed in the middle of their lobby and retail areas. 

"Fortunately, the eight accidents have not resulted in fatalities," Postal Service representatives say. "However, the accidents have caused injuries and property damage."

To avoid similar incidents in the future, the Postal Service encourages customers to use the following tips: 

• Avoid distracted driving.
• Proceed slowly and carefully when pulling in, and backing out, of parking spaces.
• Visibly check to see whether your foot is on the gas pedal or the brake pedal.
• Visibly check to see if the vehicle is in Park, Reverse or Drive