Very often and all around the world, contractors are required to get into Taxi’s as part of their travel in relation to work assignments.
Road travel is arguably and statistically amongst the most hazardous method of transport. For this reason, responsible taxi procurement and driver time management should be high on your selection criteria list.
Some of the following points may be useful to you :
- Make sure that when engaging the services of a taxi overseas that the Taxi company is registered or officially licensed with the local authority.
- Try and record the license plate number of the cab and the company before embarking on a journey.
- Ensure that the driver knows where the destination is prior to getting in the cab
- Agree a fixed price for the journey whenever possible to include all road tolls levied. Otherwise ensure that the meter is zero’d prior to starting your jouney
- Establish whenever possible how many hours the driver has been driving already before you get in the cab. This should not exceed eight ( including your intended jouney ) with a minimum of eight off prior to commencing his/her shift.
- If you begin to feel unsafe or uncertain of your taxi drivers ability to drive safely make your feelings known to the driver in a calm but firm manner. If poor driving persists, ask the driver to stop at the next taxi rank/town and make a new arrangement. Its simply not safe to do otherwise!
- If you suspect that the condition of the vehicle is un roadworthy . Tell the driver straight away and insist on changing vehicles. Don’t sit in silence hoping that it will all be ok.
- If you are travelling with a group, don’t overload the cab with luggage and passengers. Either arrange a mini van or two taxi’s
- Respect the drivers property, don’t get into a cab under the influence of alcohol or subject the driver to a torrent of abuse .
- Driving standards and road conditions are not the same around the globe although your safety remains of paramount importance wherever you may find yourself. Don’t compromise your safety standards in the face of sub standard driving ability, driver time management or road conditions.