4 Tips for Staying Safe While Transporting Passengers

What advice does NIOSH provide on preventing violence as a driver?

If your job involves hitting the road and picking up passengers, chances are, you’re aware of all the risks just one ride can bring, including violence.

From 2003 to 2013, taxi and limousine drivers suffered violent deaths at a rate of 7.8 per 100,000 workers, or a total of 366 deaths in the time frame, according to research published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The motive behind 200 of the deaths was robbery, and an unknown but intentional motive resulted in 115 deaths.

Although these statistics reflect the dark reality and dangers of the job, limousine, bus, taxi or rideshare drivers can take steps to protect themselves. Let’s look at what the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has to say in its Fast Facts for Taxi Drivers titled “How to Prevent Robbery and Violence.”

Install Barriers

Since most riders sit in the back seat, a barrier between the front and back of the vehicle may be a smart option. Drivers and employers can explore various barrier options, such as bullet-proof barriers, as 299 taxi and limousine driver deaths from 2003 to 2013 involved firearms.

Invest in Technology

As technology changes, so do the ways it can be used to keep all workers safe, including drivers. Using cameras allows the driver to record what happens in the vehicle and, depending on the employer or company, may give security workers the ability to frequently check in.

Silent alarms are a valuable tool that can be utilized when something goes wrong. These lights live on the outside of the vehicle, sometimes on the front or back or on the taxi cab sign itself. When activated, a light, sign or other type of silent alarm lets others know the driver is in danger.

GPS can help others easily find a driver or a vehicle when necessary. In addition, if using a cell phone or similar technology, drivers may be able to share their location or ride with friends and family, providing another tool for locating them or their vehicle.

Utilize Communications and a System of Check-Ins

Most drivers perform their jobs alone. Establishing a simple communication or check-in schedule may help others quickly learn about concerns. If a driver who consistently follows the communication schedule can’t be reached, it may indicate that they are in danger, allowing others to respond immediately.

Post Signage

With robberies being the number one motive of violent taxi and limousine driver deaths for 11 years, some drivers may want to consider adding signs that indicate the driver carries minimal to no cash or that the ride is being recorded by a camera.

Read OH&S’ article on taxi driver safety tips for preventing robberies and violence for more information.

About the Author

Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.

Product Showcase

  • Full Line of Defense Against Combustible Dust Nilfisk

    Nilfisk provides a comprehensive range of industrial vacuums meticulously crafted to adhere to NFPA 652 housekeeping standards, essential for gathering combustible dust in Class I, Group D, and Class II, Groups E, F & G environments or non-classified settings. Our pneumatic vacuums are meticulously engineered to fulfill safety criteria for deployment in hazardous surroundings. Leveraging advanced filtration technology, Nilfisk ensures the secure capture of combustible materials scattered throughout your facility, ranging from fuels, solvents, and metal dust to flour, sugar, and pharmaceutical powders. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

  • Preventative Heat Safety

    Dehydration and heat exposure impair physical and cognitive performance. Proper hydration boosts heat stress resilience, but hydration needs are highly individualized and hard to predict across a workforce. Connected Hydration® empowers industrial athletes to stay safe through behavioral interventions, informed by sports science, and equips safety teams with critical insights to anticipate high-risk situations and adapt to evolving environmental factors. Curious about applying the latest in sports science based hydration strategies for industrial athletes? Stop by booth #1112 at AIHA or schedule a free demo today at https://epcr.cc/demo. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars