19 Safety tips for taxi drivers

A taxi driver’s safety can often be overlooked, but they are just as vulnerable as their passengers.

Let’s look at some safety measures you can use while carrying out your shifts without compromising the integrity of your service.

1. Stay alert at all times

You should avoid fatigue to remain alert, regardless of whether you are driving or parked.

This is a demanding job and can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining.

Here’s how to deal with it:

• Do not overwork yourself. Know your limits and take regular breaks in a safe area.
• Stay well-hydrated and eat foods that won’t spike your blood sugar levels.
• Get enough sleep when you are not on duty.
• Be mindful of the Driver’s Hours for GB and Rules on Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs – Passenger Vehicles in Northern Ireland.

Bonus read: Taxi Driver Shifts Explained

2. Avoid high-risk areas

Drivers should have extensive knowledge of the areas in which they operate. Some are known to be dangerous at all times, while others pose more of a risk at certain times of the day or night.

Keep in mind that risk is not limited to criminal activity or behaviour, but includes extreme weather conditions where roads may be too unsafe to use.

Here’s how to avoid high-risk areas:

• Know which areas in your local authority are crime-ridden.
• Avoid fares that require pick-ups or drop-offs in risky areas.
• Stay updated with local news about the happenings in the areas where you work.
• Join platforms where taxi drivers can communicate real-time incidents.
• Adhere to any weather warnings.
• Use apps, such as Waze, that report on-road closures, road works, or construction.

Bonus read: Best Apps For Taxi Drivers

3. Keep your personal information private

Do not disclose personal information about yourself or your family that could be used against you. While it’s natural to engage in conversation, you should be politely vague when chatting with strangers.

Drivers should use their discretion and instincts when it comes to what they share with passengers.

4. Learn how to “read” passengers

Getting a good read on a passenger could lessen the chances of something bad happening. A taxi driver encounters all kinds of passengers and should develop a keen sense of reading people – essential in this line of work.

You must learn when to engage in conversation, keep quiet, or be on alert.

When reading a passenger:

• Maintain eye contact.
• Take note of sketchy behaviour, such as trying to conceal their face.
• If possible, make sure they do not sit directly behind you.

5. Know when to refuse service

As a taxi driver, it is within your right to refuse service under the following circumstances:

• The passenger appears to be drunk.
• The passenger displays aggressive behaviour.
• The passenger’s request is unreasonable.

In the event that a fare is refused, be sure to note the date, time, location and reason for refusal.

Bonus read: How To Be A Good Taxi Driver

6. Keep windows rolled up and doors locked

Whether you are driving or parked, the windows and doors of your cab should be rolled up and locked. These are points of entry for criminals and having them open makes taxi drivers easy targets.

If you drive a saloon car, do not allow passengers access to the front of the vehicle and keep the dividing window closed as much as possible.

7. Report any incidents

Should you fall victim to a crime, write down as much detail as possible relating to the incident. If there are any bystanders, ask them if they would be willing to provide a witness statement to validate your report to the authorities.

Bonus read: Taxi Driver Problems And How To Deal With Them

Drivers are often targeted because they are known to carry cash. While limiting the amount of money you carry is not always possible, there are ways to lessen the chances of being targeted.

1. Do not display cash

When dealing with cash, always have a small amount of money on hand to provide change to a passenger.

Keep most of your cash in a discrete location, out of sight.

2. Never disclose details about your shift

If a passenger enquires about your shift, they may just be making conversation. However, they could also be trying to decipher how much cash you have on you. If you tell them that you’ve had a “good shift” or that it has been “really busy”, this can be interpreted as a lucrative shift.

You can still engage in conversation but be sure to downplay your shift if it has been especially busy. Alternatively, you could say that you only just started with your duties for the day.

3. Encourage the use of credit or debit cards

If you are a public hire driver, it’s harder to stipulate payment methods. Having card facilities in your cab will be beneficial, as many people prefer cashless payments.

Private hire drivers, on the other hand, have the luxury of stipulating that only card payments are accepted. This removes the threat of a cash robbery and makes them less vulnerable.

Bonus read: Is It Worth Being A Taxi Driver In The UK?