With each shift comes potential on-road risks and hazards, "you can't teach experience" or "there is no substitute for experience" However experience with out training is insufficient preparation for dealing with "dangerous customers" in "dangerous situations" even with safety devices in vehicles. From all angles and perspectives, all points lead to the same conclusion; the mental, physical and emotional preparedness that is required to make the right decision with both practical experience and applicable training.
The taxi industry is by nature very different from most occupations and there is a very real and high risk of danger to each driver. The majority of people are nice, common sense should be followed in deciding to pick up a fare when working in remote or high crime areas. "Never under estimate your customer and what they may be capable of doing to you" Common day to day incidents could be; traffic and fare disputes, arguments, intoxicated persons. These incidents frequently occur on the job. While they are generally not severe, common day to day incidents can easily develop into more serious situations depending on how they are managed. Severe incidents occur as a result of a robbery, however they are more often to happen as a result of a dispute. Some people assault other strictly for the thrill other do it to impress there friends. One thing for certain people can be unpredictable. Remember "assaults and robbery are crimes of opportunity and can escalate to murder" make every attempt to lessen to the stress and frustration of each fare by not being combative and be aware of your environment "remain calm".
A few things each driver can do to minimize these situations are; park in well lit areas, keep your doors locked, only roll down your window one third, keep your money in different places or make frequent bank deposits, conceal or hide your trip sheet, do not be combative. Avoid conversations regarding; politics, religion, sports and when asked if you are busy say "it's a little slow" Should you not be able to control an incident and have to eject your fare always do it at a public place; Macs, Seven Eleven, shopping mall or some where with people around to witness.
Stress management is not only a good idea it is a must, meditation, prayer or deep breathing perhaps just getting out of the car and talking to your fellow cab drivers or walking around may work. The more relaxed you are will create situations and opportunities to make money. Finally always care for your vehicle for without it you are only watching from the side lines.
A few things each driver can do to minimize these situations are; park in well lit areas, keep your doors locked, only roll down your window one third, keep your money in different places or make frequent bank deposits, conceal or hide your trip sheet, do not be combative. Avoid conversations regarding; politics, religion, sports and when asked if you are busy say "it's a little slow" Should you not be able to control an incident and have to eject your fare always do it at a public place; Macs, Seven Eleven, shopping mall or some where with people around to witness.
Stress management is not only a good idea it is a must, meditation, prayer or deep breathing perhaps just getting out of the car and talking to your fellow cab drivers or walking around may work. The more relaxed you are will create situations and opportunities to make money. Finally always care for your vehicle for without it you are only watching from the side lines.
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