Staying alert and aware - Safety tips for taxi drivers

Taxi drivers face a lot of risk due to their work – navigating busy roads, relying on unknown passengers for their livelihood and often having large amounts of money in their possession.

Those with criminal intent, looking for quick and easy access to money, can be a threat to taxi drivers. Every other day it seems like we are hearing reports on taxi drivers that have been robbed or held at knifepoint. (1)

Taxi drivers are an important part of the community, providing a valuable service to the public, so they mustn’t be deterred from doing their job by being exposed to violent crimes. Following these safety tips could help to prevent dangerous situations from occurring in the future.

• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, even when you are parked.
• Taking note of even the smallest detail out of the ordinary can be the difference between stopping a crime or not. Make sure to take breaks between work and eat properly to ensure that you always stay alert and observant.
• Before every shift, check to make sure all your emergency supplies are in order. This includes ensuring your vehicle is equipped with a flashlight, a first-aid kit, etc. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and with you. Check your tyres are at the correct pressure.
• Be discreet when it comes to displaying cash. Don’t give someone the opportunity to rob you by flashing money from your takings. If a customer gives you a large bill, ask them to get change at a nearby shop and don’t let them know that you have the cash to break it. They could be testing you to see if you’re a good target to steal from.
• Assess the risks associated with your passengers. Get to understand people’s body language and gauge if they are dangerous or not.
• Greeting people and maintaining eye contact can help to deter potential thieves. Make sure any potential thieves are aware that you are paying attention. Should they attempt something, you would be able to provide an accurate physical description of them to the Gardaí. Doing this gives you a psychological advantage, as thieves are less likely to target people who appear confident and aware.
• Be familiar with the appropriate steps to take in the event of an emergency. Most taxi services have a written set of emergency procedures, so make sure the one you use is up-to-date and accessible when needed.
• Keep your windows rolled up. Leave all windows up. Roll down one window just a little to talk to customers. Windows that are completely rolled down make it easier for a thief to pull you out of your car or open the driver’s door.
• Secure your vehicle by locking all the doors. Doing so will make it more difficult for criminals to access your car when idle and it allows you to get a good look at who is entering the taxi. Ignoring this precaution puts you at a disadvantage.
• Trust your instincts. First impressions can be very telling. If you feel uneasy while driving a customer, stay alert and be extra vigilant.
• Require specific directions. Passengers who provide you with vague directions may have an ulterior motive. Ask passengers to provide you with a solid destination and/or Eircode before driving or allowing them into your vehicle. Check the location exists on Google Maps or with your sat nav.
• Request that those travelling in your vehicle take a seat in your line of sight. Avoid having them sit directly behind you, as this could leave you vulnerable to a surprise attack. Suggest they sit to your left side so you can observe them without turning around.
• Carry a spare key. In the event of an emergency in which you have been separated from your car keys, an extra one in your pocket or small vehicle compartment can be a lifesaver.
• Offer no resistance to thieves. If you do become a victim to thieves, offer no resistance—just give them whatever they demand. Your life is worth more than your vehicle.
• Call the Gardaí or instruct your drivers to call your dispatcher in the event of an emergency. If you are robbed or another emergency develops, your dispatcher can call the Gardaí and provide the driver’s location while you deal with the situation.

After an incident

Your actions immediately after a violent assault or robbery could be essential to apprehending your attacker. Do not waste any time—complete the following steps at your first opportunity to maximise the chances of catching the criminal.

1. Write down everything about the incident, including a description of the passenger, what he or she said and did, his or her accent, his or her destination and anything else you can remember.
2. Report all violent incidents to the Gardaí.
3. Be prepared to make a witness statement in the future. Do not be afraid to speak out—a judge commented recently in relation to a case that there must be deterrents in relation from stealing from taxi drivers and they cannot be seen as an easy target.

And above all else, make sure to protect your livelihood with comprehensive taxi insurance cover.

Sources:

(1) https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/man-jailed-for-knifepoint-robbery-of-two-taxi-drivers-in-dublin-1335635.html