Safety and self-defense
TOP TIPS
Always trust your instincts.
Refuse a fare if you have any doubts about your safety.
Minimise the amount of cash you carry.
Use your verbal skills and body language to de-escalate any confrontational situations if you can.
Call police immediately on the phone if you feel in imminent danger. Report all non-urgent incidents to police e-mail.
Safety rules
Adjustments to your vehicle
Installing CCTV cameras has been shown to lead to reduced threats and violence against drivers.Signs in the vehicle can highlight the presence of CCTV to passengers.
Fitting a convex mirror that gives you a full view of the rear of your car will help you to see what a passenger directly behind you is doing.
Securing your vehicle
Never leave any cash or electronic equipment in your vehicle at any time.
Always lock doors and ensure all windows are fully closed.
Activate your alarm and immobiliser.
Physically check the door is locked and that the alarm has set.
Things to carry with you
A spare key, in case an assailant throws your keys away.
A mobile phone.
Pepper spray.
An emergency card with your name, date of birth, blood group, allergies and a contact number for emergencies.
An explanation of the fare structure, so that you can explain it to a passenger who feels that you are over-charging them.
Cash management
Never say to a customer that you have had a busy shift or that business is good.
If you can, drop off cash during your shift so that you carry as little in your car as you can. Always keep your cash hidden from view in a secure box and try to hide the cash in several places around the vehicle until you can deposit it securely.
Stay in control
Advice 1
Trust your instinct – you have the right to refuse a passenger if you think they may present a risk. The way a person speaks or dresses may not reflect their behaviour, so always be alert.
Advice 2
Make sure you are not tired – you need to be alert at all times, especially at night.
Advice 3
Control passenger access to the front. Keep the doors locked until you are ready to accept a fare. Only open the windows enough to speak to people without them being able to reach in. Only let them sit in the front if you wish.
Advice 4
Communication with the passenger is important. Be polite and pleasant.
Advice 5
Make eye contact with the passenger when they get in the car. This helps to establish a relationship with the passenger. It also gives them the message that you could identify them.
Advice 6
Be ready to explain the fare structure to a passenger. Many violent incidents arise from fare disputes. Explain the route you plan to take if you are going a long way around (for example in order to avoid road works) so as to prevent a dispute over the fare.
If you feel threatened
Advice 1
Try to stay calm. Take slow, deep breaths – this may help to lessen your anxiety.
Advice 2
Be aware of your own actions and how they may be seen. Non-confrontational verbal and body language may be enough to diffuse a situation.
Advice 3
If you can, drive to a brightly lit, busy place. These are often covered by CCTV.
Advice 4
If you have a purpose-built taxi or a car with a screen you are likely to be safer staying in your cab than getting out. However, never risk your safety to protect your vehicle.
Advice 5
Do not attempt to run after a passenger who owes you their fare. Your safety is more important than the money.
If you are attacked
Advice 1
Try to stay calm and focused. Panic or fear can lead to wrong decisions and make the situation worse.
Advice 2
Do not try to fight back – it is most likely to make the violence worse for you. If the attacker is armed or the situation is dangerous, it may be better to comply with their demands than to resist.
Advice 3
If possible, try to run or run away from the attacker. This may include leaving the vehicle or finding a safe place to go.
Advice 4
If escape is not possible, defend yourself with self-defense techniques. Use the pepper spray for self-defense purposes.
Advice 5
Use your horn and lights to attract attention.
Advice 6
Contact police or emergency services to get help.
Advice 7
Gather as much information about the person as you can (e.g. their clothes, accent).
How to stay calm
Advice 1
Take a deep breath and try to focus on your breathing. This can help slow your heart rate and reduce feelings of anxiety or panic.
Advice 2
Repeat a calming mantra or phrase to yourself, such as "I'm in control" or "I can handle it".
Advice 3
Visualize a positive outcome or imagine yourself handling the situation successfully.
Advice 4
Try to stay present in the moment and avoid thinking about what might happen in the future.
Advice 5
Remind yourself that the situation is temporary and that you will overcome it.
Advice 6
Recall any training or experience you have had in dealing with dangerous situations and rely on that knowledge to guide your actions.
Advice 7
If possible, try to engage the attacker in conversation to de-escalate the situation and buy time for help to arrive.
After an incident
Advice 1
Write down everything about the incident – a description of the passenger, what they said and did.
Advice 2
If you did not call them at the time, report all violent incidents to the police. Be prepared to make a witness statement. It may take time, but it may prevent the violence in the future – for you and other drivers.
Advice 3
Share your experience with other drivers so that they can avoid the same situation.
Advice 4
Bilking (making off without payment) is a criminal offence. Report incidents to the police and be prepared to make a statement.