Safety Measures for Passengers Using Taxi Services
When you get into a taxi or other type of ride-share vehicle—anything driven by someone else—you give up some control to that driver. Taking a taxi can be a quick and easy way to get around, but are taxis safe? Are they more secure than Uber or other peer-to-peer ride-hailing apps? Many taxi and ride-share drivers, on the other hand, are excellent sources of information about local customs, current events, the best restaurants and entertainment, and more. Taxi drivers are frequently experts on safe and unsafe neighborhoods, as well as potential threats at your hotel or destination. For safe rides, use a professional taxi service. Here are some insights for safety travel.
- Look for a meter, a badge, a radio, and a door handle: All genuine licensed taxi and minicab drivers’ vehicles are outfitted with a meter (for charging) and a radio (for taking calls from the dispatcher). Before you leave, request that the driver activate the meter so that you are not surprised with a large bill at the end. Taxi drivers are required to carry and display their ID badge in almost all countries. Do not enter the vehicle if you do not see a badge or a radio. Before you settle in, make sure the interior door handle works.
- Know where you’re going ahead of time: One of the most important things to remember when traveling is to know your next destination before hailing a taxi. Ask locals or look it up online how long it takes and how much it costs to get to your destination, but be realistic about your knowledge of the area. While the taxi driver may know a better route or one that avoids toll booths, if you’re going in the wrong direction, feel free to exit at any time.
- Sit in the backseat not in the passenger seat: You are less visible to the driver and bystanders in the backseat. Sitting in the middle also puts you further out of reach if you’re traveling alone. The less visible you are, the less likely it is that you will be targeted.
Companies like Alec Taxi are the ones that you can trust for an affordable taxi service in the area. We’re known in all Marietta, GA for the quality services that we’re offering at affordable prices. For inquiries, don’t hesitate to call us at (770) 854-1867!