How to Stay Safe in Taxis
Essential Tips for Secure Travel
If you have dodged the grim reaper in a possible plane crash, all thanks to the lifesaving tips from my previous article on “How to Stay Safe in Planes”, I will forgive you for taking the first taxi you lay eyes on.
On a more serious note, taxis and private hires are not as safe as you think. Once people arrive at their destination, many will get straight into a taxi; statistically, this is the more dangerous part of your journey. We often feel safe hopping into a taxi after a night out, or just to avoid walking home at night.
We choose taxis because we feel safe, however, ultimately you have got into a car with a complete stranger who you now have to trust with your safety and well-being. This is actually a very vulnerable position. Foreign taxis can prove especially dangerous, so it is always worth taking a few key steps to keep yourself safe.
Look Out for Taxi Scams
You should make yourself familiar with the most common taxi scams. The best known is when taxi drivers set the meter to “suburban rate” rather than the standard rate, allowing them to overcharge the customer.
When a Taxi Is Your Only Option
There are many honest and hard-working drivers who are not going to rip you off or harm you, but for your own safety, you should be aware of risk situations which could mean someone can take advantage of you. Again, situational awareness is vital; be aware of your surroundings, and if you are impaired in any way DO NOT get into a car with someone you don’t know. If you really have no choice, follow a few basic rules to help maintain your safety. Know the route (know your destination and how to get there) You should familiarise yourself with the best route to your destination so that instead of relying on a stranger to get you there, you can tell him which route you want him to take. Keep an eye on where he is driving, and if he strays from your preferred route, ask him to return to the correct one. If he does not, get out of the car at the first opportunity.
Do Your Research
Staying alert while travelling is essential regardless of your destination, but it helps to do some research about the more common scams that take place in the country you are travelling to. Research the names of reputable taxi companies and carry their number. If staying at a hotel, you can always ask them to call a taxi for you, or to recommend one that you can trust.
In the UK for example, all private hire operators must give passengers a booking confirmation - this could be by text message, app, email, or, if in a minicab office, paper receipt. The booking confirmation includes details of the licensed private hire driver and vehicle that has been booked for you.
You should always check before entering a vehicle. If the driver or the car picking you up is not the same as in your booking confirmation, do not get in the car. This measure ensures an additional layer of safety by verifying that the vehicle and driver match the details provided by the service provider, thereby reducing the risk of entering an unauthorized or potentially unsafe vehicle. For more info, also read the Travel Safety Awareness article.
Only You Decide your Destination
Never let a taxi driver, or anyone else, talk you into going somewhere other than your original destination. Be assertive and retain control of the situation; don’t hand it over to the taxi driver. If the driver suggests alternative hotels, destinations, restaurants, clubs or bars, insist on going to your original destination as these ‘recommendations’ are almost always because he is getting a fee from someone within the establishment.
Never let him take you ‘on a shortcut’ even if he says it will save money, you could end up in a dangerous situation or not knowing where you are or where you are going.
Is It Legit?
A few simple checks can tell you if this is a legitimate taxi operation or a potentially dangerous situation:
doors should have handles on the inside. You must be able to exit the taxi on your own. If you can’t see a handle, don’t get in.
there should be a picture of the driver, the taxi medallion, and a radio. If these are not present, use another taxi.
pick up a taxi at a designated taxi stand. Don’t go with the guy at the airport asking if you need a ride.
Don’t Share Your Taxi
This might seem a bit mean if there are many of you waiting at a busy airport or finding a taxi is hard. Plus, it will save you money. However, you are getting into a car with a complete stranger, and that could leave you in a very vulnerable position. The person you are riding with may be working with the driver, or may have ulterior motives of their own.
Don’t Jump at Your First Option
If you have had a long trip, the urge is to get out of the airport or train station and to your destination as quickly as possible. However, you should avoid just jumping into the first taxi you see. Busy transit hubs attract unofficial taxis and if you are rushing or tired from your journey you might miss the obvious signs that this may not be a legit operation.
It is always better to use an official area-licensed taxi, even if this means waiting a while at the taxi stand. If you can’t see where to get your taxi, the transportation desk at the airport will be happy to help with directions and advice. Inquire about the expected price for your journey here so you know if you are being ripped off.
Keep The Windows Up
Even if it is a beautiful day, and you want to enjoy the breeze, it is always best to keep the windows up. If ventilation is an issue, open them a small amount, just enough to let some air in.
A criminal is always looking for an easy target, and an open window is a godsend – they can just reach in and grab your belongings as the car slows or sits at a red light. Even if someone is outside asking you to roll down the window, never be tempted to do so.
Be Discreet
Keep valuables out of sight. A smartphone is really easy to steal and will attract thieves, so keep it well hidden. Expensive watches and jewellery can also attract the wrong kind of attention. There is no need to dress like a slob, just remain aware that displaying valuables will tempt criminals.
In Case of Emergency
Should you find yourself in a compromising situation, remember that your safety is paramount. Do not hesitate to act decisively to secure your exit from the vehicle, even if it means damaging property to escape an unsafe situation. If you are trapped in a taxi, don’t hesitate to kick out the window. Lie on your back and kick with both legs. Aim at the lower part of the window and towards the corner, where the glass is tighter and easier to break.
Remember, staying informed, vigilant, and assertive allows you to reap the benefits of taxi services, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey without compromises.