A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:Hello. I'm not sure if this question should be asked on this site, but I thought I'd try anyway.I am looking for tips/advice as to how to stay safe when travelling in a taxi. I am a 25 year old female and I use taxis a lot, as I have a physical disability which causes mobility problems. I often feel uncomfortable with the drivers though, particularly the questions they ask. Some of them ask what I feel are rather personal questions, like who do I live with, where are my family living, do I have a boyfriend, etc. I remind myself that they are strangers and so I should be careful, but at the same time I don't want to appear rude. I also tend to be naturally suspicious of people, and so I cannot tell when I am just overreacting. Perhaps they are just being friendly and making conversation. But I become worried.One incident a couple of weeks ago troubled me. A taxi driver started hinting about sex, and asked if I wanted to meet up. I haven't used that company or seen him since, but it has made me feel very nervous about using taxis now, yet I rely on them a lot. Just wondering how other people would handle this. Thank you for any help. Reply to this Question
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, eyeswideopen  +, writes (9 April 2012):
 Years ago I got in a taxi in NYC and politely asked the driver if it was okay if I smoke and he matter a factly said "I don't care if you burn."
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (9 April 2012): I am the person who asked this question. I just wanted to say, thank you all so much for your responses! They are really helpful. x
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (7 April 2012): Always carry mace or pepper spray with you (good advice for any woman, with or without disability). And always carry a charged cell phone.
Prepare some set answers to the questions you anticipate so you won't feel put on the spot. Make something up or lie if you have to, if you think that will end the conversation. For example if someone asks if you live with anyone, say yes you are married or yes you live with your bf, even if you don't have one.
It also helps to appear like you are absorbed in reading the newspaper or talking on the phone. So, pretend to be texting on your phone or pretend to be checking your phone messages. This way you can be completely socially disengaged and it will not be rude and you don't have to second guess if that particular taxi driver is just being friendly or being seedy.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (6 April 2012): Ask around other disabled people to see which taxis they use.
Make sure you have a mobile phone with you in case something happens. Tell someone else which company you are using and where you are going, e.g. a close friend or family member.
Tell the drivers you're a private person or switch the conversation to something more general.
Some taxi drivers are just friendly. Trust your instincts to know which ones they are.
There are lots of women who won't go in a taxi alone so congratulate yourself that you dare to.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (6 April 2012):
 Bring a book. or Ipod, that way you don't HAVE to talk to anyone.
And maybe consider getting some pepper-spray in case.
And if it EVER happens again call the taxi company and report him.
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A
male
reader, Great or Good  +, writes (6 April 2012):
 Sorry about the bad experience you countered.
That taxi drivers are human being as well. When close to them and as strangers is good to keep you self for your self sometimes, but believe me it is not rude to tell that you are not comfortable with there conservations, and to make it even more polite just say, '' I am sorry I am not feeling well and I am not on the mode of talking.
You has all right to remains quite in the taxi as long as you are not favoured with what comes out of the drivers mouth,
you remains a person although you has physical disability, having physical challenge it doesn't mean you don't has choice of a man you want in life.
Stop them before they go too far.
Good luck dear, enjoy using taxis again.
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A
female
reader, janniepeg  +, writes (6 April 2012):
 You should report that creep to the company. Note down the license plate and the name of the driver each time you take the taxi. You don't have to feel obligation to talk to the drivers. His job is to take you to a destination, whether you are rude or not.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (6 April 2012): One thing you should do is always sit in the back of the taxi when a man is driving,and also,when you call to book the taxi,you can ask for a female driver.Thats what i do and its much safer.I have been in a taxi with some creepy male drivers too.There arent always female drivers available,but i prefer to get a taxi with a female driver as much as i can.
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