7 Taxi Safety Tips for Passengers Revealed

Every year, we hear of numerous taxi crimes and scams floating around the transportation industry. Undoubtedly, the taxi market is not safe from the paws of frauds, goons and scammers.

As the legend says – A three minute trailer can’t define the plot of a movie. Likewise, few scams can’t justify the loyalty of many other taxicabs.

However, you have to be cautious enough to save yourself from those low-life-retards who ride on your mistakes.

Follow these 7 basic taxi safety tips to enhance a safe and comfortable taxi ride:

#Tip1. Don’t Hail unless it’s an Emergency

One of the most common mistakes passengers make during their travel is that they hail a taxi rather than hiring. Hailing a non-legitimate taxi can lead into various taxi scams and frauds. So we urge you to never hail a taxi, unless it’s an emergency.

Hiring has a basic advantage over hailing and it’s called ‘your research.’ You may have found the taxi via search engines or referrals… That means the taxi you will get is going to be legitimate and licensed. Further, pre-booking ensures that you setup a record in the dispatchers record book with the taxi’s number, driver’s license etc.

#Tip2. Check the Credentials of a Taxi

In case you need to hail a taxi out of the streets, make sure that the taxi is driven by a licensed driver. How do you know if the driver is licensed? Well, most taxi drivers have their ID badge placed at a visible spot in their vehicles. If you can’t find one, feel free to ask the driver if he has got one or not.

You can also check the taxi for the availability of a meter and a radio that connects them to a dispatcher. These are the small things you should keep your eye-balls up for before hopping inside the taxi.

#Tip3. Make sure the Cabbie is not under Influence

Occasionally, during your taxi ride, you may also come up across unprofessional taxi drivers, who have been under the influence of drugs or heavy drinking.

This is the worst scenario a passenger may have to face. You do not want to put your life’s safety in the hands of some filthy cab driver, do you? So, do not get in the cab under any circumstances. If you are already in the cab, ask the driver to stop the cab immediately…

If you want to take necessary actions, you can file a complaint to the right authorities. Taxi cabs usually have their authorities’ phone number displayed in the cab so that you could take necessary actions during emergency…

#Tip4. Always Know your Route

If you have hired a taxi, research about the traveling points and have some idea about the route. If you can’t figure out your travel path, ask a hotel concierge about the area. Besides, you have several apps or maps that can help you out…

If in the middle of a taxi ride, you feel like the direction is wrong, don’t hesitate to ask the driver about the exact place. You can also tell him that the direction he’s taking may not be the right one. If he says that this is a short-cut, it’s up to your discretion. However, if you sense that something is wrong, bolt out of the cab at the first opportunity…

Be sure to throw few bills or the driver may get you arrested for not paying the fare…

#Tip5. Sit in the Back Seat

I recommend that you should always take the back seat (preferably on the opposite side to the driver) even if you are traveling a small distance…

If you are on the front seat, it becomes easy for the driver to get a hold of you and take unfavorable actions. Even if you have valuable items, it becomes easily accessible from the front seat, tempting the drivers to commit an immediate crime…

A safe distance from the driver ensures that you can barge out for help if needed, or may be take immediate action if he tries to take advantage…

#Tip6. Say No to Sharing Taxi

If a taxicab already has a passenger in the front or back seat, say No straight to his face. It doesn’t matter if the passenger is the driver’s relative or if he/she has to go to the same place you are heading towards…

Never fall in the trap of sharing a taxi for the sake of saving few dollars. Your life is more important than those bills… If you see another passenger hailing the taxi, you must avoid getting into it. And if the hired taxi has another passenger, you might want to call the dispatcher for legal actions…

Tip7. Have Someone to Call During Emergency   

Even if you are the smartest detective, you can fall for the trap… The same goes for the taxi scams…

No matter how cautious you are, you can find yourself in difficult circumstances. In such situations, you need someone, a close friend or a relative, who you can call if in case you fall into sudden trap…

Always keep your phone close to you and text your friend the driver’s credentials if you feel something is wrong…

Yes! Your safety always comes first during travel. So keep these 7 basic tips in your mind and you are all set to go…