Whether you’re travelling for business or for pleasure, you want to be able to travel in a way that makes you feel safe and secure. Business safety is a must whichever way you look at it, and being on the road is a place you should focus on safety. Taxis are supposed to be that mode of transportation when you’re not hiring your own vehicle and you don’t want to use public transport. Taxes are private, you can book them to take you wherever you want to go, and you are usually the only passenger unless you opt for a shared ride. They are convenient and accessible, and whether you’re going to work or you’re heading out for a night on the town, you know that a taxi is usually a safe and convenient way to help. However, like any form of transportation, you need to be able to prioritise your safety when you’re on the road.
When you take a taxi, you’re not the person in control of the vehicle, which often takes safety somewhat out of your hands. You would need a Lyft accident lawyer if you are ever in an accident because as the passenger, you’re not going to be at fault no matter what. Safety often goes beyond the risk of being in a crash, however, so let’s take a look at a range of tips and best practices to help you to stay safe when you’re in a taxi.
- Understand your risks. It’s important to understand the potential risks associated with taking a taxi. Yes, it can be a safer option than taking the subway late at night time, but taking a taxi comes with its own set of risks that are separate. These can include anything from theft to assault and harassment. Unfamiliar destinations, intoxicated passengers, and late night travel can also increase the likelihood of encountering any safety hazards. Once you understand your risks, you can determine if a taxi is the right mode of transportation for you.
- Plan ahead. Where you can plan your journey in advance. If you’re in a foreign place on business, you need to know what taxi companies are reliable and that takes research. You need to get as many recommendations from people who have used local taxi companies as possible so that you can make the right decision. If you’re travelling to an unfamiliar location, make sure that you familiarise yourself with the route beforehand so that you don’t feel confused during the trip.
- Share your ride details. Before you get into any type of taxi you need to take a picture of the license plate and send it to a trusted family member or friend. Share the taxi company’s name and details so that you can be found if something goes wrong and this makes sure that somebody is aware of your whereabouts at all times.
- Never book an unlicensed taxi. Licensed taxis should be opted for whenever possible because they undergo background checks and are held to certain standards. Most licensed taxis also work for organisations whereby they need to adhere to certain rules to be able to do their work. There should be official taxi markings on the car, such as on the license plates or identification badges in the window.
- Verify your driver. If you’ve booked via an app like Uber or Lyft, then check if the driver is the person that was listed on the app. The last thing you want to do is end up trying to get into a taxi that isn’t actually yours. If it doesn’t match, then seek an alternative ride.
- Ensure your personal safety. If you’re riding in a taxi, always sit at the back and diagnose the driver. This provides you a physical barrier between you and the driver and enhances your ability to remove yourself in a dangerous situation.
- Maintain awareness of your surroundings. Other than putting on your seat belt, you should keep yourself aware of your surroundings. Put your phone away, take your headphones off, and make sure you’re paying attention to where you’re going. If something feels off, speak up or request that the driver pull over.
- Use the taxi tracking feature. Most taxi hailing apps like Uber or Lyft will use a built-in GPS tracking feature so that you can share your location with friends and family and follow the journey as you go. If you suddenly start to go off piste, then you need to bring this up with the driver as it happens.
You deserve to feel safe no matter where you are, whether that’s safe from the driver itself or safe from an accident on the road.