How To Stay Safe When Travelling By Taxi

Road trips are incredibly enjoyable, providing the freedom to explore and embark on exciting adventures. However, individuals who lack driving skills may take advantage of the opportunity to travel by taxi wherever they please. Nonetheless, they can still enjoy a fulfilling road trip experience by utilizing taxi services to reach their desired destinations.

Taking cab rides can be just as enjoyable and adventurous, plus you avoid the fatigue of driving. You have the freedom to request your driver to take you anywhere you desire, with the flexibility to stop along the way. However, not being able to drive should not prevent us from embarking on our dream trip.

To ensure a safe road trip experience, here are some important tips to remember when travelling by cab.

Utilize Reliable Apps for Booking Your Cab

Ensure to always book your cab through a reliable source or trusted app.

Various apps like Uber, Ola and others offer safe and often cost-effective options for cab bookings.

Emergency Contacts

Even though it's unhealthy to overthink things, it's better to be ready for the worse. Make sure you can recall the emergency numbers in your area, particularly for law enforcement. You might need to call them unexpectedly.

It's also a good idea to maintain a list of reliable friends or family members on your phone as emergency contacts. You may not only keep them updated on your whereabouts, but assistants will also be aware of who to contact in the event of an emergency.

Turn On GPS Tracking

This works together with the last tip. An easy way to do this was found by accident when staying logged into a Google account on a family member's computer. They could see the user's location on Google Maps, so they checked if the user was out before making long calls to avoid bothering them.

If you trust someone and feel okay sharing your location, this can be a good safety tip. Make an account that you and your trusted person can use, and log into Maps on your phone. Your trusted person should turn off their GPS tracking, but you keep yours on. Then they'll know where you are if something happens.

Ensure That Your Ride Is Legitimate

One crucial taxi safety tip involves confirming the authenticity of the vehicle you're about to use for your ride.

It is essential to determine the legitimacy of the ride before boarding any cab. Registered rideshare services that are requested through well-known apps or authorized taxi companies are usually considered legitimate rides.

Before heading to a new destination, it's advisable to research and recognize the appearance of official taxis operating in the area. Find out what colour their cars are usually painted, how their taxi signs look, and if there is any information accessible about the official city rates.

Official taxis are frequently seen at official taxi stops, including those at airports. Additionally, you can locate reputable taxi companies in the country you're visiting and keep their contact numbers handy for future use.

On the other hand, unofficial taxis, sometimes referred to as touts, are unregistered drivers who might attempt to draw people into their vehicles, which might or might not look like real taxis. Unofficial taxi drivers frequently overcharge their passengers, especially those who need to become more familiar with the area. However, only some interactions with them are good.

Furthermore, there may be risks involved with getting into a stranger's private vehicle. Unlicensed drivers are less prone to repercussions for their behaviour since they do not possess official permits. Thus, it's best to avoid taking unofficial transportation in strange regions, especially for female visitors travelling alone.

Negotiate The Fare

In official taxis, the fare is usually determined by a meter that measures the distance travelled throughout the ride. Nonetheless, drivers occasionally could ask for a set fee, particularly if they are trying to attract tourists.

Before beginning the ride, it's a good idea to get an estimate of the cost from the driver. If the driver proposes a fixed charge rather than utilizing the meter, examine whether it is appropriate and negotiate if necessary.

Remember The License Plate

Before entering the taxi, carefully observe and try to memorize its license plate number!

This serves two purposes: Firstly, you'll have important information if you need to report any issues. Secondly, the driver is likely to be more cautious if they see you are attentive.

Don't Mention You're Alone

This safety advice is useful for female travellers travelling alone in general, but it's especially useful while taking a taxi. NEVER disclose to your driver that you are going alone. Say, instead, that you're off to meet your friend who lives nearby. Or that your spouse or lover is there to greet you. Make sure your driver knows how nicely you're being taken care of!

Remember to act like you know the region. Inform the driver that you've visited the city on several occasions or that you're lodging with a local family. Fake it until you make it, even if this is your first time visiting the area. In this manner, your driver is likely to reconsider defrauding you or mistreating you.

Take the Back Seat

While customs may vary regarding sitting in the front passenger seat next to the driver, it's safest to opt for the back seat in a taxi.

Using the passenger seat is a travel mistake best avoided. Sitting in the back seat provides several advantages: it increases the distance between you and the driver, reducing the likelihood of inappropriate contact; it offers two potential exits, preventing entrapment if the driver stops next to another vehicle or a building; monitoring the driver is easier without risk of misunderstanding, as sitting in the front might be misconstrued as showing interest in the driver; and you can confidently use your phone to check the route or contact someone for help if needed.

Avoid Storing Your Bags in The Trunk

It's important to be cautious when using taxis, especially in unfamiliar places. One common scam involves taxi drivers stopping the car, asking for payment, and then driving off while passengers are retrieving their bags from the trunk.

To avoid falling victim to this, it's recommended to keep all your bags with you, preferablyin the back seat.If you must put your bags in the trunk, make sure not to leave anything valuable or important there, such as your passport or phone.

Additionally, it's wise only to pay the driver after they have assisted you in retrieving your bags from the trunk and have left the taxi. If the driver asks for payment before this, politely request their assistance first. This extra precaution can help ensure a safer and more secure taxi experience.

Confirm The Driver's Details

It's critical to confirm the reliability of the driver you are using. Therefore, verify the driver's credentials before going inside the vehicle.

Examine his ID, driver's license, and toll documents in detail. Only get in the taxi until you've made sure you can trust the driver. But if you notice anything fishy, decline the driver straight away and choose an alternative route. You do not want to go on a trip where you're always worried about your safety.

Share Details of The Cab Ride

It's a good idea to share your taxi details with someone you trust, like family or friends, so that they can keep an eye on your journey. Share information such as the vehicle identification number and the driver's license number with them.

This way, they can monitor your trip and ensure your safety. It's also important to keep them updated on your current location until you arrive at your destination. This extra precaution can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Conclusion

In summary, prioritizing safety during taxi travel is paramount for a stress-free journey. Adhering to these guidelines, including utilizing reputable cab booking platforms, confirming driver credentials, and sharing ride information with trusted individuals, enables passengers to mitigate potential risks and enhance their security while on the road.

From ensuring the authenticity of the vehicle to negotiating fares and refraining from storing belongings in the trunk, these measures empower travellers to navigate their trips with confidence and peace of mind. Remembering to prioritize safety always ensures a smooth and enjoyable taxi ride, whether exploring new destinations or commuting within familiar surroundings.