Driving Tips

Roads and traffic can change in an instant and taxi drivers need to be on top of their game to reach and drop off passengers safely and on time.

There are many sat-navs and navigational apps to help drivers reach their destination, as well as trying to avoid long delays in traffic.

Being stuck in traffic can be one of the most infuriating experiences on the roads for Taxi drivers.

But, whether you are battling the school run, commuting to work, or are a professional such as a taxi driver, the most important thing to do is keep calm.

We are facing rising costs in every part of our lives, so it is not a surprise that taxi fares are also being affected, and today we received devastating news that energy bills are expected to soar by £1,500 a year from October.

As with other businesses, taxi drivers are also facing increases and have had a difficult time dealing with soaring prices at the pumps for most of this year.

There are few places you can go today without being picked up by an array of security cameras.

Whether it is in a bank, shop, or just walking down the street, the average person is filmed about 70 times a day.

Taxi drivers are being urged not to risk vehicle safety when it comes to car maintenance as we all continue to feel the pinch.

The call comes as the cost of living continues to rise and soaring fuel prices mean it costs more to keep taxis on the road.

As drivers gear up to make the switch to electric vehicles, many are focusing on the cost, range and charging points of the green motors.

But there are also some key differences in the way an EV and a petrol and diesel car are driven, and it makes sense for people to consider taking lessons to get used to the new technology.

We’re almost there, folks. After 12 months of uncertainty, doom and gloom, the UK finally has a roadmap out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is going to start moving again VERY soon, and bringing with it much needed support and income to the taxi and private hire industry.

Patons Insurance are here to provide our top tips on ensuring YOU are fully prepared as the country reopens throughout 2021.

Whatever vehicle you drive, driving in the dark can be dangerous.

Whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, no matter how well you might think you know a particular road, junction or dual carriageway; at this time of year it will now pose a completely new set of challenges.

Since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak, taxi and private-hire drivers, have provided an essential service transporting NHS staff, key workers, patients and the vulnerable.

As life starts to return to normal, and fares begin to pick up, at Patons we wanted to do all we could to keep you protected.

The restrictions we are all facing due to Coronavirus will be with us for a while, and whenever the Government recommends easing them, everyone will need to be prepared for what will be a ‘new normal’.

Reducing the spread and keeping passengers, as well as ourselves, safe is now a vital part of every driver’s job.

Being a taxi driver during the winter months is a tough job.

With long dark nights, freezing temperatures and bad weather conditions, as well as busy roads, especially in the lead up to Christmas, its no wonder our vehicles and our driving is challenged.

The great British summer; one week it’s record high temperatures the next it’s a total wash out.

Flash flooding can happen any time and anywhere thanks to rain, blocked drains, damaged water mains, tides or burst river banks. Last year, the AA rescued almost 9,000 vehicles that had driven through or were stuck in floodwater, with an estimated insurance bill of more than £34 million.