Imagine that it’s late at night, you’ve just finished dinner with friends, and you’re about to drive home. You hail a taxi and drive away, slightly weary but pleased with your evening. But wait a second, are you okay? Is the driver legit? Is everything okay with this cab? Okay, yeah, it’s an absolute mood killer. But hey, safety first, right?
Whether it’s blasting through traffic to make a meeting on time, staying out of the weather, or just having a designated driver for a date night, taxis are an integral part of our lives. But let’s face it, some of the rides are about as monotonous as an elevator ride, others are a bit sketchy. So let’s talk about how you can be safe and sound while taking a cab.
Contents
1. Choose the Right Taxi Service
To begin with, taxis are not all the same. And I assure you, you don’t want to get in one of those rides where you wish you had walked home. Whenever possible, go for a reputable taxi or a reputable ride-hailing service in order to avoid nasty surprises. Driver ratings, licence checks and panic buttons are usually part of the safety measures at an Uber, Lyft, Bolt or your local cab service.
Look for signs indicating taxis with the right branding, an actual taximeter, and a driver who looks (and feels) like one (not just a hoax). That’s your first defence. If you have an app, see how good the driver rating is — five stars? Good sign. Two stars? Nope, not today.
2. Don’t Be Too Shocked To Pass Your Ride Information On To A Person You Love.
Ok, one golden rule: always tell someone that you are going somewhere. This isn’t overkill, it’s street smart! The majority of ride-hailing apps have a “Share Trip” option that will share your current location with your friends or family. They can even monitor your trip in real time, so that’s cool, right?
If you’re hailing a regular street taxi, simply send a text with the number and name of the cab. Your friends may make fun of you a little, but they’ll take it anyway. As a bonus, it’s better to be the “paranoid friend” than the “missing friend” isn’t it?
3. Verify the Driver and Vehicle
When your ride pulls up, don’t simply jump in without stopping and checking it out. You should have the correct licence plate, car type, and driver listed on the app. You don’t want to accidentally (or deliberately) enter into another person’s vehicle.
You can verify the driver’s name or your own name prior to driving. Be snobbish; it’s not impolite, it’s professional! If something is out of place, such as the driver not matching his or her profile picture or taking “cuts” you weren’t ok with, cancel or leave at the nearest exit.
4. Mind Your Seating
It doesn’t matter where you sit in the taxi. You’re probably best off driving in the back seat most of the time. It gives you a bit of space between you and the driver and provides you with a quick exit if needed. It also allows you to see the whole world better and not get locked in by the child safety locks on the back doors.
If you’re getting anxious anywhere, keep your phone. Get an emergency contact set on speed dial for extra safety.
Tip: carry your bag on your lap so that you can exit quickly if you have to.
5. Stay Aware (But Not Paranoid)
Let’s not get carried away—most taxi rides aren’t so bad. But you have to pay attention wherever you go. So, turn off your phone, look around, and remember where you’re going. When the driver abruptly changes direction or starts driving in the opposite direction, don’t be afraid to complain. Confront them, tell them directions and, if you feel something is wrong, have them drop you off at the nearest public location.
If you have no idea where you’re going, google maps is your new best friend. Open the app and follow the path. Don’t forget that if the driver starts asking too many personal questions, you can just avoid them with hazy comments or just stare out the window. Awkward? Maybe. But you do what makes you feel the most comfortable.
6. Use the Safety Features
If you’re utilising a ride-hailing app, take advantage of their built-in safety features. Almost all apps come with a 1-click emergency button, driver reviews, ride-finding and even 24/7 support. Be aware of where these features are in the app so you can pull them out when you need them. When the driver starts behaving strangely or makes you feel uneasy, don’t hesitate to utilise these options.
The other one—double-check the route once you start the trip. Even if you’re no expert on geography, most apps plot a straight route to your destination. If your driver begins to deviate from the intended path, call them out. Well, they might just be trying to stay away from traffic, but better safe than sorry.
7. Trust Your Gut
Ok, this might be a little archetypal, but if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t underestimate that voice in your head. If the driver gets friendly, asks you creepy questions, or simply annoys you, don’t take it too seriously. Be polite and request that they drop you off, even if it’s before your arrival.
No ride is worth getting hurt, and you’re entitled to hop out of the car if you don’t feel safe. Even if it means getting a second cab or having a friend take you home, safety is top priority.
8. Know Your Rights
Speaking of what you’re entitled to, you have rights if you experience some kind of collision or safety issue while taking a cab. If it’s a minor issue, get the driver’s information, snap a few pictures, and report it to the taxi company or app. For severe accidents, get professional advice.
Look into hiring a no win, no fee solicitor. They can walk you through taxi accident claims without all the legal hoops to jump through, which is a blessing. You never know when this knowledge will be useful!
For more info, go to https://www.nowinnofeesolicitorsco.co.uk/road-traffic-accident-claims/taxi-accident-claims/
9. Stay Sober (Well, Sort Of)
Okay, let’s face it, sometimes you’re on the drunken edge, and the last thing you want to do is make your way home. If you are going to have a little bit of fun, don’t go totally wild in a taxi. You lose your capacity for good judgement and sensitivity when you’re high, so you are easy prey.
If you’re running on adrenaline, call someone to check in or leave them on the line for the duration of the ride. At least you’ll have someone on the lookout for you, even if you’re a little bit aloof.
10. Be Kind, But Stay Cautious
Most cab drivers are honest, decent individuals who just try to survive. So be nice and polite. Still, there is no harm in being a little on the alert until you arrive in safety. Keep your guard up and don’t share too much personal information.
Wrapping Up
Taxis can be easy, cheap and, for the most part, fairly safe. By being prepared, believing your body language, and a few basic safety rules, you can make your rides more “home safe” than they are “home scary.” Day or night, it does not matter. And trust me, you’re never too safe to be caught–you’re only trying to make it home alive!
