4 Ways To Stay Safe When Using A Taxi
When you use a taxi or ridesharing service, you are trusting another person to get you where you need to go whom you just met. Taxi drivers undergo screening and training in order to provide you with a safe and enjoyable experience. However, you should always know how to keep yourself safe when using a taxi.
#1 Call for a Taxi
When you need a taxi, do not try to hail one on the streets. In many smaller cities, taxis only respond to telephone calls or only pick people up at designated areas where one can hail someone.
Additionally, when you call for a taxi, you ensure that you will be getting in a taxi that is associated with a taxi company. You ensure that you will get into a regulated taxi when you call for one to pick up you. The best way to ensure that you get a taxi when you need one is by calling for a taxi.
#2 Look for Identifying Markers
Officially-licensed taxis have certain identify markers that you should look for. For example, the taxi driver will carry and display their ID badge where you can see it in the vehicle. The taxi will also be equipped with a dispatch radio.
The outside of the taxi should be marked with the taxi company name and number. You should also be able to see inside or outside the taxi a number that identifies the particular taxi you are getting into. It is a good idea to write down the number of the taxi that you get into; that way, if you leave anything behind, it will be easier for you to collect your belongings.
#3 Sit in the Back Seat
Next, you should sit in the back seat if you are the only person in the vehicle. This is how most drivers prefer to transport passengers. It sets up the right dynamic. Now, if you have four friends with you, and one of you needs to sit in the front, that is fine as you are using up all available seats.
#4 Know Where You Are Going
When you get in a taxi, you should know where you are going. You should know the address of where you are heading and have an idea of how long it should take you to get to your destination as well as the route that you should take.
Keep in mind that taxi driver's jobs are to drive around all day, so they may know faster routes to take or may know about construction that you are not aware of. If your taxi driver takes a route that you are not familiar with, just ask them why they are taking that route and they will be happy to share with you.
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