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Driving Safety: The dangers of 'cabbing it'

By Megan Roth

Fourteen – the number of cabs stopped at my corner when I went to work this morning ((nine at the red light, five pulled over for travelers). Eight – the number on 51^st Street (between Lexington & 3^rd Avenues) when I left work this evening. 13,087 – the number of taxi cabs operating in New York City alone (and that’s not counting the 40,000 other for-hire vehicles).

Wow – that’s a lot of taxis. And nowadays, they come in all shapes, styles, colors and models. Regardless, they all pose a certain risk to both drivers and passengers alike. For example, I never consider weather conditions when hopping in a cab (if I do, it’s only to determine whether it’s necessary to wear a coat or carry an umbrella before or after riding in a cab).

But weather conditions affect cab drivers the same as they affect other drivers; the risks from heavy rains, strong winds, ice and snow are all there, regardless of whether you’re actually driving the car or just riding in it.

Similarly, the risks of other drivers are the same as well. At any given moment, another vehicle may slam into the side of your car or bump into you from behind.

Regardless of the context, we’ve all heard that it’s always smart to expect the unexpected. Of course, this isn’t really possible since we don’t expect it, which is what makes it unexpected; however, we should always be prepared for an unforeseen incident to occur.

Unfortunate as it is, there have been incidents of sexual abuse, robbery and/or assault by cab drivers (think about it: you’re getting in the car with a stranger who has complete control over when and where he takes you. You are essentially without power and have limited control over what could potentially occur. But don’t be fooled into thinking passengers are always the victims; there have also been numerous reports in which the drivers are actually the victims.

Granted, such incidents are relatively uncommon; however, the mere fact that they can and do occur should put each and every rider on the edge of their seat.

Metaphorically, that is – NOT literally as that would pose certain risks of its own. For example, riding on the edge of your seat or leaning forward increases the odds of a passenger sustaining an injury from the partition that often separates the front seat from the back. In order to lessen the odds of such injuries, passengers should ride in a cab the same as they would ride in their own car. Sit back and buckle up – seat belts are there for a reason.

And don’t forget that the cabbie is more than just your driver; he’s also a normal human being. Which means it is possible they’ll fall asleep behind the wheel, drift off the side of the road or slam into another car (which has actually happened to me). Their jobs have certain dangers of their own – and those dangers can be great.

So though cabs can be convenient, the risks they pose may actually leave you more inconvenienced in the long wrong. Normally, such isn’t the case, so I’m definitely not pushing you to boycott taxis altogether (ugh – I wouldn’t dream of it! I walk enough the way it is…); however, I am saying to get into a cab with open eyes.

Be aware of the potential risks riding in a cab may pose and, in the event that an incident does occur, react accordingly. Take down the cab drivers name and ID number so you’re able to report it and address situations as they arise (if need be).

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Megan Roth

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on February 22, 2009 (boomark / email).