Deal effectively with situations that involve the risk of attack and/or robbery
If you have faced situations of attack or robbery in your experience as a taxi driver you will know how upsetting and traumatic this can be. The more you know about the risks of taxi driving the more you can take steps to reduce the dangers to yourself.
The main risks that you must be aware of are:
You have little control over the type of passenger you pick up. In the course of your work you will have met a wide range of passenger types. Most passengers will have caused you no trouble.
However, from time to time you may meet passengers who are hostile, argumentative, aggressive or at worst violent. Sometimes you may find that these behaviours are made worse when passengers have been affected by excessive alcohol or other drugs.
Sensible practices can reduce the risk of taxi drivers being assaulted.
Taxi Drivers carry sums of cash and are in an isolated position in their taxis. They may be targets for robbery.
In any taxi driving area there are locations which are possibly more dangerous than others. It is important as a Taxi Driver to identify these dangerous locations. In some cases the dangers of a location will depend upon the time of day. A location, which is quite safe to work in during the daylight hours, may be dangerous late in the evening or in the early hours of the morning.
Dangerous locations might include:
It may sound strange but in some cases a Taxi Driver's own attitude towards customers can increase the risk of assaults.
Don't argue with your customers and you will prevent small disagreements growing into full-scale arguments and even violence. Stay calm and never lose your temper.
Most violent incidents and hold-ups:
There are several habits that the Taxi Driver should have to reduce the risks from dangerous passengers and the possibility of robbery:
Take steps to control your working environment to minimise the danger of assault:
Provide good security for cash. Only keep enough cash in your pouch for a float.
During your shift:
When you have identified potentially dangerous locations in your service area you should exercise care and caution and be alert when picking up or setting down passengers in these locations. Whenever possible try to position the taxi in a well lit area and be particularly cautious in isolated areas. If under threat, drive away from the dangerous situation with door open and close it later being careful not to cause an accident.
Beware of passengers who give you vague directions.
Avoid laneways and dead end streets.
Handle argumentative and hostile passengers carefully. Avoid getting into heated debate or confrontations with such passengers. As a general rule it is better to agree with them and remain calm and relaxed. One technique to calm people down is to speak more quietly and slowly. Don't raise your voice and don't speak rapidly.
Never chase after passengers who do a "runner", the risk of attack is not worth the money!
All Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast and Wollongong taxis are fitted with a Global Positioning System (GPS) which allows the Network to track the location of the Taxi. If you activate your M13 Alarm the radio operator will be able to identify your location and inform Police and other Taxis in the area that you require assistance.
Security screens may be fitted to taxis operating in Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast and Wollongong.
Maintenance of Screens
It is important to make sure that the screen is well maintained in a condition that gives maximum protection.
Checking of Screens
You should check your screen at the start of each shift to ensure that it is:
Security cameras are both a way of deterring attacks and robberies and a way of catching the criminals who carry out attacks.
Security cameras may be fitted to taxis operating in New South Wales. There are a number of different brands of cameras available, but they all work in a similar way. While much of the work of the camera is automatic, you must know how to operate the camera if one is installed in your taxi.
The six things you must know if the taxi you drive is fitted with a camera are:
Details of this and other taxi safety devices are given in the Module.
If you have had the unfortunate experience of being attacked or robbed you should, of course, seek medical help if required. As a Bailee Taxi Driver, you may be covered by Workers Compensation.
Write down as soon as possible:
Keep a copy of this report safely for yourself if you give the original to you operator or the police.
Report the incident to your Operator and Network.
Organise images to be downloaded from the security camera, if available, for passing on to the police.
You should also report the incident to the police. For serious incidents such as assault or robbery you will need to do this at a Police Station. Use the Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 13 14 44 to report more minor incidents, such as fare evasion or persons damaging the vehicle.
Counseling after an attack
If an attack or robbery seriously affects you, seek professional counseling.
Ask your Taxi Operator to advise you on this. If you have difficulty arranging this contact your Network.
Phone numbers for information about welfare, health and counseling services are available from the Victim of Crime Bureau on 9374 3000 or 1800 633 063.
NSW Charter of Victims Rights
Victims of crime in NSW now have a Charter to protect and promote their rights. The Charter establishes standards for the appropriate treatment of crime. The Charter places a statutory obligation upon government agencies to ensure that a victim is at all times treated with courtesy and compassion, and that their rights and dignity are respected.
Among other things, the Charter recognises the rights of a victim to: