It’s a sad fact that nearly every single day a taxi driver is either verbally or physically abused. It’s well know that taxi driving is one of, if not the most dangerous profession in the UK … worryingly it is statistically more dangerous than both the police and fire service. Costs are high too, with expensive vehicles at risk of vandalism (and of course the taxi insurance premiums that need to be paid), as well as petrol prices ever increasing. You don't want anything to stop you driving your cab for any length of time, so here are a few basic safety steps that may help:
Understanding Your Fare.
No two people are the same. By reading the body language and tone of your fare’s voice, you may be able to determine how they might behave throughout the journey. If a passenger sounds or appears irritable, it may be best to let them sit in silence. Remember that a little eye contact is not offensive, but necessary – it will let anyone thinking of causing trouble know that you’re alert.
Basic Safety.
If you’re using radio in your cab, be familiar with your dispatcher, they could be your lifeline. Do not display any money for obvious reasons and keep only a minimum of operating cash in the vehicle whenever possible. One solution could be to keep a small, key-locked container bolted to the floor of you cab. Never tell anyone you’ve had a great shift – you don’t want to set yourself up.
Know Your Routes.
Taking the quickest and most efficient route to a destination can help avoid unnecessary conflict, as well as giving the passenger the service they deserve. Having a GPS system in your cab can help should you become lost. Remember that a passenger that requests you drive without a destination may be attempting to flee a situation and may be a risk.
If Anything Happens.
If you are put in a dangerous situation, make sure not to resist and keep calm. An argument over money may end in violence and unfortunately, a passenger who has planned to not pay may also have planned for a fight. Comply with the passenger's requests and contact the police as soon as possible.