7 Taxi Safety Tips You Must Teach Your Kids
Depending on the size of your city, taxi cabs may be something your child encounters on a daily basis; for other people, cabs are a rare luxury. However often you or your family require a taxi service, it’s important to teach your children about taxi safety. Teenagers and young adults who are comfortable hiring a cab are more likely to rely on one rather than driving under the influence, and if your child learns safety rules early she’ll be able to avoid any possible risks.
Here’s seven things you should teach your child about riding in a cab:
1. Choose a good cab company. If there are a lot of companies, try to research in advance which one has the best reputation and seek out a driver from that company. If possible, obtain the company’s phone number and book the cab in advance.
2. Wear your seatbelt. It should go without saying, but you should always wear a seatbelt in any car you ride in, even if it’s a taxi cab. If you can’t find the seatbelt in your taxi, it may be behind the seat; ask your cab driver if he can retrieve it for you and be sure to tip him for the time.
3. Let people know where you are. Whenever you board a cab, call or text the cab’s information to at least one other person. This way your family knows where you are in case something happens, and the cab driver is less likely to try something illegal if he knows he’ll be monitored.
4. Avoid unmarked cabs. At best, it might be an over-priced private cab company. At worst, it could be a criminal masquerading as a taxi service. Always stick with a clearly-marked taxi from a company you’re familiar with.
5. Don’t sleep in a cab. As tempting as it might be, especially if you’re on a long drive, resist the urge to fall asleep. You could end up missing your stop, having your things stolen by an unscrupulous driver or worse. If you have to, you can call or text someone throughout your ride to keep you awake.
6. Don’t give personal information to the driver or other passengers. Some drivers like to chat with their passengers, and there’s nothing wrong with making polite conversation. Avoid details about how much money you have, where you live or what hotel you’re staying at, though, since you never know who might really be listening.
7. Always sit in the back seat. This provides some buffer between you and the driver, just in case he has any unwholesome intentions for you or your belongings. The back seat is also usually better protected during accidents.
By using these tips, your child can remain safe while enjoying the convenience of a Washington taxi service or any other cab company in the world.
Most taxi drivers are honest people who provide a safe means for transportation. It never hurts to stay vigilant, though.
The Real SupermumUSA [email protected]
