Taxi drivers are worried that children throwing stones at cabs could cause serious accidents – and even cost people their lives.
Drivers have come forward after several recent incidents in Burnley in which moving vehicles have been hit with stones, causing damage to windows and paintwork – and terrifying those inside.
Warning
Drivers are understandably worried that further incidents could lead to serious accidents and are calling on parents to warn children about the dangers of what they are doing.
Danish Ali, who is a private hire driver for Ride Taxis in the town, contacted the Burnley Express newspaper to highlight the situation after his car was damaged by young people threw stones at his car three times within a matter of weeks.
Mr Ali also revealed that colleagues had suffered similar attacks.
He told the Burnley Express: “We are facing a challenging and dangerous situation that kids from different places around Burnley hit our cars with stones.
“It has happened three times with me in different areas involving different youngsters, aged around 11 or 12. The first time, near the Spar on Todmorden Road, I had my young children in the car with me who were very frightened by what happened.
“I have had my windscreen chipped as well as dents on doors. It could cause a serious accident next time.”
Danger
While those responsible might think it is a bit of harmless fun, they are putting people in real danger. Stones could shatter windows and windscreens, showering the occupants with shards of broken glass. They could also pierce the glass and hit the driver or any passengers. This could not only cause serious injury, but the shock could cause the driver to crash, injuring themselves and anyone else on the road.
It is fortunate that Mr Ali and his colleagues have escaped injury so far, but stones can cause serious damage to vehicles, especially if they are thrown with force and the vehicle is moving.
Chipped and cracked windows usually need to be replaced and dents and scratches to paintwork can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds to repair. This hits drivers directly in the pocket because they either have to foot the bill themselves, or if they claim on their taxi insurance, risk paying higher premiums in future, especially if they are forced to make several claims resulting from repeated attacks.
The second attack on Mr Ali’s car happened in Casterton Avenue, near Burnley General Hospital, and the third was in Marsden Road. He said all of the incidents took place in the early evening.
Mr Ali added: “I have contacted police, but nothing has been done so far. We need to raise this issue and encourage schools and parents to give guidance to these kids.
“We provide services to everyone in Burnley and we deserve respect.”
Mr Ali is right that he and other drivers deserve respect for the service they provide, but the children responsible and their parents also need to be aware of the danger they are putting people in. Not only could they be held responsible and possibly face court for causing a serious crash, their parents don’t want to have to pay for hundreds or thousands of pounds worth of repairs for damage caused to taxis.
