Every day, taxi drivers see the good, the bad and the ugly and there have been numerous occasions in which they have come to people’s rescue. But a recent robbery in Hampshire highlights the dangers they regularly face, often without realising it.
While taxi and PHV drivers have to be thoroughly vetted and licensed by a council in order to operate, they have no idea who is getting into the back of their car.
We have previously reported incidents in which drivers have refused to work late shifts because they are worried about their own safety.
Dangers
While most passengers are honest, pleasant and law-abiding, drivers know that things can turn ugly after people have had a few drinks, and certain passengers can become belligerent and argue or refuse to pay their fare. Drivers can also be on the receiving end of verbal and, unfortunately, physical abuse as a situation escalates.
The danger was highlighted recently when a Farnborough taxi driver was robbed in an apparently unprovoked attack at the railway station taxi rank in Union Road, before his car was stolen at 9.55pm on Thursday, August 28.
Although thankfully rare, this extreme level of abuse and violence highlights the real danger taxi drivers can face.
Hampshire Constabulary said: “A man approached the taxi and assaulted the driver before dragging him out of the vehicle.
“The man then drove the taxi towards Farnborough Road.
“The vehicle is described as a white Peugeot E7, with a registration number beginning SF15.
“We are keen to hear from anyone with information about this incident, particularly if they have seen the vehicle.”
Deterrent
As police appeal for witnesses and dash-cam footage, the robbery in a town centre highlights the need for drivers to constantly be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves.
This could mean installing CCTV cameras inside their taxis, as well as dash-cams which would also record footage that could be used in an insurance claim in the event of an incident.
The presence of cameras could act as a deterrent and knowing they are being recorded could stop people being abusive or becoming aggressive with taxi drivers who are just trying to earn a living.
Although this robbery occurred in a town centre just after dark, drivers should always think of their own safety and operate in areas that are well lit and with other people and taxi drivers around.
Cover
Not only was the driver in Farnborough viciously assaulted, he also lost his vehicle – his means of earning a living. With the right taxi insurance in place, a temporary or replacement vehicle could help him get back on the road. Ensuring you have the right cover for your taxi business means claims can be processed efficiently and without any unexpected expenses.
Taxi drivers have developed a sixth sense and can usually anticipate trouble before it happens, but it is worth making sure colleagues or your base know where you are so help can be summoned if necessary.
If fares request being picked up at remote locations or at a time when there aren’t many people around, it is worth being vigilant and calling for help at the first sign of trouble.
And having the right taxi insurance in place helps give drivers peace of mind they are covered if something happens.
