Adelaide taxi assaults
Sex Crime Investigation Branch Detective Superintendent John Venditto has urged the public to continue catching cabs saying the incidence of sex assault is rare and the majority of drivers are doing the right thing.
Labor backbencher Tom Koutsantonis said “most drivers are overwhelmingly good and decent” while urging the Government to stop issuing license plates to “faceless” investors.
The article also included some advice on how best to catch a cab.
I’ll list them in 2 parts, good ideas and not-so-good ideas
“Avoid traveling alone”
“Phone a family member or friend from inside the vehicle to let them know you are on your way.”
“Use a mobile phone to store the car ID number displayed on the left hand side of the top of the windscreen.”
“Be in a state that allows you to have a clear recollection of events. Look after each other. If your friends are drunk, go with them.”
Now for the not-so-good ideas
“Sit in the back seat, behind the driver.”
This becomes an issue for the drivers safety. Personally I run with my doors locked and for a single passenger will ask them to enter via the passenger side of the vehicle. Working nights I don’t want someone I don’t know sitting behind me especially as we don’t have security screens in the cabs here.
Besides that it just seems weird having 1 person in the car sitting behind you and I know personally I feel less inclined to interact (talk) with them
“If possible, book a taxi, rather than hail one.”
Now this honestly has been included as a feel good statement.
John Venditto said at the beginning of the article:
“Generally, they (the victims) are intoxicated in varying states, Most were travelling from licensed premises.”
I have been given jobs at night clubs when I am on the rank there and I contact base and cancel the job. My reason? It’s simple, If I drive off the rank to the front of the line to ‘look’ for my fare there is a large possibility they wont be there either they’ve taken the first cab or whatever. Then I’m left with no where other than the rear of the line to go, not to mention the other drivers who are going to be less than impressed with me should I actually pick up as they have been there longer than me.
Now away from nightclubs, quite often people call for a taxi then hail the very next one to go past. I know this as I’ve had it happen to me from both angles. So sure you booked it but you didn’t actually get the right cab. To further explain it people open the door and ask “Is this the cab for ‘xxx’ ” Now all I or any other driver has to do is say “yes” and bingo your on your way without actually getting the right cab.
So not much point calling for a cab.
Here is a suggestion of my own to increase your chances of getting a legit cabbie. Always get your taxi off an official rank.
No long explanation required here. If your a fake cabbie or a slime ball legit driver you wont work a proper cab rank as you don’t want anyone being able to id you or be able to easily prove someone got into your cab and not someone else’s. Simple
