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Last Updated: Mar 26th, 2006 - 13:41:45 |
(NUI) - For taxi and delivery drivers, safety is a daily concern. National statistics show that they are among those most in danger of being killed or assaulted on the job.
Because drivers often work alone, they are especially vulnerable to crime. They are often required to drive to crime-ridden areas at night which significantly increases their likelihood of being attacked, robbed or killed.
If you are a driver and are concerned about safety, here are some precautions you can take to lower your risk of becoming a victim of crime:
* Be prepared. Make sure you receive safety training and consider taking a self-defense course. The more you can prepare yourself for crime, the more chances you have to prevent it.
* Make sure your car is equipped with safety features. Ask to have a surveillance camera installed to help discourage criminals and provide evidence for criminal prosecution. Installing a partition to separate you from your passengers also can help to prevent a crime. Always keep a first aid kit in your vehicle for emergencies.
* Ensure that you are able to communicate in times of trouble. Dispatchers should be able to communicate with you wherever you are. Make sure your radios are working properly and be familiar with silent alarm procedures.
* Develop a relationship with the police. Be alert and report suspicious activity.
* Use caller ID. Determining where your passenger's call came from can help police if a crime occurs.
* Don't become an easy target by carrying a lot of cash. Drivers with large amounts of cash are more likely to be robbed. Instead, consider installing a credit card machine to reduce the amount of cash in your vehicle. This will also provide an added convenience for customers who do not usually carry cash.
A new device, called e-Port, will soon make this a more viable option. The e-Port, developed by USA Technologies Inc., is a credit card reader that is slated for gradual installation into taxis and limousines beginning in 2002. The e-Port also features an interactive screen situated in the back seat that will allow passengers to check the latest news, weather and sports from the Web en route.
Although none of these precautions will completely prevent crime, they can help increase your safety and help save your life.
For more information about the e-Port, visit the USA Technologies Web site at www.usatech.com.
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