5 Tips for Taxi Driver Safety

With the rise of Uber, Lyft and the like, driving a taxi has become a desired profession for many. It allows people to quickly earn money on the side of their regular jobs and fit in a couple of hours of driving in their busy schedules as they see fit. And since the rideshare business isn’t regulated by the government bodies, almost anyone with a drivers license and a knack of customer service can do it.

Driving a cab, however, is risky at times. Aside from on-the-road dangers, regular drivers need to deal with a variety of passengers on a day-to-day basis. And unlike the drivers themselves, passengers can’t always be vetted (unless you’re driving an Uber or the like).

There are several things a taxi driver can do to ensure his safety on the road. Here they are:

Have transparent fares

Disputes are most commonly caused by miscommunication between the driver and the passenger in regards to the travel fares. To avoid potential pitfalls, taxi drivers must provide a transparent quote for the client prior to their journey.

Install a protective screen

This will protect the taxi driver from the passengers during travel. One of the good things of this feature is that it doesn’t necessarily have to look like you’re caging the clients as there are many types of protective screens on the market that can do the job. You can find an elegant solution to fit your specific needs.

Observe your passengers

Install a convex mirror and keep an eye on your clients. Learn how to read body language in order to gauge the situation for potential danger. There are no two passengers alike, so you need to get familiar with the tell-tale signs of troublesome clients which, unfortunately, is a game of experience. Don’t let your guard down and don’t underestimate the people you’re travelling with. On that same note, be polite to people at all times and keep a close eye to passengers who are seated next to you, as they are especially risky.

To CCTV or not?

CCTV disrupts your passenger privacy but you may want to consider at least getting some warning signs in the car. You don’t have to actually record your clients’ every move because most of the time the sheer existence of a warning can do a great deal of prevention. If you want to install a CCTV, of course, you can. All you need to do is place a sticker that indicates that your vehicle has CCTV.

Keep your money away

Don’t flash your money at your clients and keep your personal accessories at a minimum. It’s best to not motivate people to rob you, so it will not be wise to wear a golden chain or an expensive watch, for example. Keep just a bit of pocket change and regularly deposit the rest of your earnings in a safe box beneath your seat or in another convenient location. If you get attacked by a client, give all your visible belongings freely and assure them you have nothing else. It’s best to part with your phone than with your life.

So that’s about it. Safe travel and good luck out there!

A passionate traveller and easy life lover.