Safety Tips For Passengers And Taxi Drivers

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Taxis have become widely popular for public transportation needs. However, with every virtue there is a vice. This article does not focus only on taxi crimes committed by taxi drivers but crimes executed by malice passengers.

It would be completely unfair and judgmental if I would only point to either cabbies or passengers as criminals. Below are some safety tips which both parties can consider to stay safe.

Safety Tips For Passenger

1. Planning and Pre-Booking

Pre-planning and pre-booking are two important things you can do to avoid any sort of unfortunate circumstances. Most taxi companies have their own websites and have made it convenient and safe to book your taxi prior to your travel.

2. Learn About Local Taxi Rules

Taxi rules vary from city to city. A cabbie in New York is not allowed to charge any extra for your luggage. Hence, before you hire educate yourself with city's taxi rules to avoid being cheated.

3. Know About Your Service Provider and Taxi Driver

While booking a taxi for yourself, please make a note of details like taxi registration number and taxi Company's name. MSP CAR SERVICE Don't feel reluctant to ask taxi driver for his license and his ID card to verify his association with taxi company. This procedure is legal and will help you file a complaint if need be or to recover things that was misplaced during your journey.

4. Pay Additional Attention

If you are new to the place, booking a taxi can make your journey easier, but not all times. Your taxi driver in order to cheat you might take a long route. To prevent such situations always carry a city map and pencil which come in handy to mark your route.

Safety Tips For Taxi Drive

It will be unfair to put only taxi drivers responsible for taxi crimes. If a taxi driver is having a bad day he might get robbed and lose all his hard earned money. But being careful can prevent such untoward incidents.

1. Make Frequent Cash Drops

It is always advisable to carry fewer amounts with you and make frequent cash drops. But make sure you always carry some change. Following this shall save you from losing your hard earned money.

2. Be Aware and Alert

Since taxi drivers work alone all the time including late nights, it is mandatory for them to be aware and alert. A taxi driver should know the city routes very well as this comes handy when travelling to crime prone areas. Taxi drivers need to be more attentive while doing late night shifts. Minimize risk by avoiding dangerous routes of the city.

3. Maintain Eye Contact With Your Fare

When you get a passenger, always try to maintain eye contact from the moment passenger enters the taxi. It gives a simple message that you are confident and cannot be messed with. It communicates to the passenger that you can recognize him if he considers to execute any sort of crime. Avoid telling a customer that you had a good shift.

4. Communicate Well With Passenger

Communicate well with the passenger, and brief him about the planned route and estimated fare. This will reduce the risk of any dispute at the end of the journey.

* If you find yourself in danger, don't confront. Rather than doing so try to remember your passenger's features, along with conversations you had and other details. This will help in proper police investigation should there is any such unpleasant incidence.