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Safety tips while using a taxi

Leisure and Travel

Taxis are a very convenient way of moving from one place to another.

They provide comfort and save a lot of time as compared to matatus. You must, however, take extra precaution when travelling in a taxi. Although they make look safe and harmless, danger is always lurking so don’t tempt fate.

There have been many negative experiences involving drivers and these can be avoided with some of these safety tips.

1.Confirm price beforehand

Ensure that you finalize negotiations for the fare with your driver before starting your journey. This allows you to avoid inconveniencing both you and the driver when the journey ends. Some drivers may end up being violent and aggressive when you offer them less than they expected, which can put you at risk. You can also avoid this by using taxi applications like uber that allow you to gauge how much a trip might be. You will be able to estimate how much to carry in excess in case of traffic jams or bad weather which increase your fare.

2.Share your trip information

Applications such as uber give you a ‘share your trip’ option that enables a third party to track your journey until you arrive at your destination. Take advantage of this option by always sharing your trip with a trusted contact. You can also let people you trust know where you are going and alert them when you arrive so that they know you are safe.

3.Use a trusted driver

Find one or two taxi operators that you keep on call if you are not comfortable using random operators. This will save you the anxiety of travelling with someone you are not sure of. Another option is looking up the ratings and reviews of taxi applications and on driver’s profiles. This will give you some peace of mind and allow you to gauge which one is the best to travel in.

4.Be observant

While riding in a taxi, always be vigilant because anything can happen. Start by confirming that the car you are entering is the correct cab. It is easy to be kidnapped when you are lured into a car by a stranger posing as your cab driver. Confirm the number plate of the car and refer to the driver’s profile to ensure you are entering the correct one. Also, be aware that some drivers purposefully use the longest route in order to get paid more. Take note of routes to avoid getting scammed.

5.Do not ride with strangers

Do not travel in a taxi with strangers in the back or passenger seats. Be observant and refuse to ride in a taxi with other unknown persons. In some cases, drivers can collude with people to carry out a robbery and other forms of crimes on unsuspecting customers. Stand firm and don’t allow yourself to be convinced to do so. Your safety is of uttermost importance.

6.Avoid being flashy

It is advisable to keep your jewelry, expensive watches, tablets and other expensive items in your bag while riding in a taxi. Some of the drivers may be thieves who are targeting unsuspecting customers. Only keep your phone in hand and keep your belongings close to you.

7.Keep emergency contacts on speed dial

Ensure that you always have a reliable person on speed dial. This will also come in handy when you are using a taxi in a foreign country. Always have someone you can call in case of an emergency.

8.Avoid getting personal

You should always keep conversations light without getting into too many details when engaging drivers. Do not reveal your personal information such as how much you earn, how many houses you own or even expensive items you have. This might make you an easy target for them so be wise by not revealing too much.

 

 

 

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