Taxis and PHVs undergo regular checks to make sure they are safe for the roads and drivers pay extra attention to them during the winter festive period. But as well as ensuring their vehicles are ready for the hectic festive season, they must look after themselves to ensure the busy winter period doesn’t take its toll on them.
As the festive party season gets under way, demand for rides will continue to increase as we approach the busy Christmas and New Year period, which can be good news for taxi drivers.
Balance
But instead of trying to pick up as many fares as possible in often-icy conditions, drivers are better off finding a balance which will both help their business and their wellbeing.
Many drivers could benefit from a rest after another busy year and bounce back re-energised in January after a well-earned break.
For those to decide to work, the advice is not to overdo it. It will be a busy time as people leave the car at home to make the most of the festivities. It is important that they take regular breaks and stop for hot meals and drinks, especially as the temperatures drop.
Delicate cargo
When people decide to leave the car at home and enjoy the festivities, many overindulge and are worse-for-wear when they get into a taxi.
Plastic bags, bottles of water and tissues or wipes are always handy to keep in cabs, especially if you are carrying passengers who have overindulged … going over a speed bump a little too fast could bring the shift to an abrupt and messy conclusion.
It’s also worth making sure your card reader is updated and working so that having successfully navigated the route home without unpleasant incidents, passengers can easily pay and avoid issues with last-minute dashes to cash machines.
Winter watch
Driving in snow and icy conditions can be treacherous and cabs and PHVs need to be prepared for every eventuality. Car batteries can be the first thing to go in freezing temperatures, so it is worth checking they are fully charged. It’s also worth making sure you have more than enough fuel or charge in an EV to take you where you need to go, bearing in mind you might need the heater running for long periods.
As well as ensuring their vehicles are prepared for extreme weather, drivers must drive according to the conditions and make sure that tyres have plenty of tread to improve fuel economy as well as safety.
Drivers also need to be on the lookout for potholes which can damage tyres, wheels and a vehicle’s suspension. This could lead to a taxi insurance claim and put a cab off the road until it is fixed – which might not be immediately as garages close over the festive period.
Drivers should also make sure they have warm clothes, a torch, first-aid kit, de-icer and scraper, hi-viz vest or jacket, waterproof boots and a mobile phone and charger if they need to call for help.
Whether drivers decide to work this festive period or enjoy time off with loved ones, it is important that they look after themselves and get the balance right. Making sure that both they and their vehicle are ready for winter will make it a memorable Christmas and New Year for all the right reasons.
