Staying Safe On The Job: Tips For Taxi Drivers

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It’s quite likely that you’ve never thought too much about the perils that taxi drivers face. This occupation is actually quite dangerous. It makes sense if you think about it; drivers are constantly meeting people they don’t know, they work both day and night, and they remain in close quarters with those individuals for a period of time. How can they stay safe while on the job? These seven tips can help taxi drivers while they are working.

Get Insurance

Taxi insurance costs a lot of money, regardless of which route you decide to go. However, while it is important to insure your vehicle, it is equally important to insure yourself. If someone physically assaults you, and you can’t go back to work for a while, you will not be in a very good financial position. Personal accident insurance can help; the premiums are usually high, but they help you relax while on the job. So, for a better deal on your renewal, follow those tips.

Put A Tracker On The Car

If you have a GPS device on your car, someone will know where you are at all times. If they notice that you are going in the wrong direction, or you’ve been tied up with a fare for a significant period of time, they can check in or send help.

Cut Back On Arguments

Make sure everyone knows what the fare is ahead of time. Don’t try and get more money out of the customer by taking the long route instead of the shorter one. You never know when an argument will turn into more than just a battle of words. Customers get very angry when they believe they have been taken advantage of.

Be Safe

If someone has a weapon and wants your money, give it to them. It isn’t worth trying to fight them or trick them. They may not want to hurt you, but if they feel threatened, an injury could occur anyway. You don’t want to risk serious injury or even death, so be smart and be safe.

Keep Your Finances In Order

You should not have a lot of cash on you. That is surprisingly hard for taxi drivers, but get into the habit of making periodic stops at the office and storing your money. This is particularly essential if you are working at night.

Pay Attention

If one of your customers suddenly changes their destination, that should raise red flags for you. If the route is dark and unfamiliar, you should be even more cautious. Many taxi drivers have had this happen to them, and for some, the end result is that they are attacked. If someone changes the route, make sure the office knows about it so someone has your location.

Make Changes To Your Car

If possible, put a screen and a CCTV camera in the middle part of your car, so that it separates you from your passengers. These can help you avoid an attack. A convex mirror is a good idea as well; you’ll be able to monitor what is happening in the back seat if you have one. Then, if a passenger makes a move to attack you, you can see it coming and potentially put a stop to it. If you don’t have one of these mirrors, there is really no way to know what’s happening back there.