A taxi or minicab business has the potential to be a profitable venture in the UK.
According to data from Statista taxi businesses in the UK generated annual revenue of $2.39 billion in 2017, and projections suggest that figure will rise to $2.61 billion by 2023.
However, as with any other business, the taxi industry comes with its own fair share of challenges and risks. Other than competition from other taxi companies or ride-hailing apps, the risk of a road traffic accident is a significant challenge for cabbies.
This article highlights some of the key steps taxi drivers can take to stay safe while on the road.
Don’t Speed
The amount of money you make as a taxi driver is closely correlated to the number of trips you make each day. And the quicker you are pick up your passengers and get them your destinations the more fares you should be able to take each day.
However, being quick should not translate into exceeding the speed limit. Not only might this upset your passengers, but it also increases your likelihood of being involved in a road accident quite significantly.
Don’t Use Your Mobile Phone When Driving
A mobile phone will be vitally important when you’re a taxi driver, but it can also be incredibly distracting. In fact, texting or answering calls while you’re behind the wheel could greatly increase your risk of having an accident.
Research has shown that hands-free calls also increase the risk of an accident, with some studies suggesting that taking a hands-free call when you’re driving is just as dangerous as using the handset.
If you have to use a phone you should pull over to the side of the road to reduce the risk of an accident occurring.
Don’t Eat When Driving
As with mobile phones, research suggests that eating while driving can significantly increase your risk of being involved in a road traffic accident. In fact, some studies suggest that eating while you’re driving your taxi could increase your risk of an accident by 360%.
Fatigue is often a concern for taxi drivers, but rather than eating behind the wheel you should eat a full meal before you begin your shift and take regular breaks to rest and grab a snack.
Don’t Drive When You Are Sick
If you are unwell you should take time off until you are well enough to drive.
Also, talk to your doctor about the side effects of any medication you’re prescribed. You shouldn’t go back on the road if you have any drugs that cause drowsiness, blurred vision, and other side effects that could affect your safety on the road.
Rest and Eat Right
Tiredness, fatigue, and hunger can increase your risk of getting into an accident. This not only affects you and your passengers but also other motorists on the road. Short-term fatigue affects safety and productivity, whereas long-term fatigue may result in health issues such as cardiovascular and mental health problems.
Therefore, ensure that you get the recommended number of hours of sleep every day, eat balanced meals and stay hydrated. Also, avoid continuous driving for a long period of time, as this will cause fatigue. Exercise too can help in relaxing your body and keeping you productive.
Opt for Yellow and White Livery Taxicabs
Light-coloured taxis are more visible at night, which is an important safety feature. In fact, research suggests you are 9% less likely to be involved in an accident if you drive a yellow or white cab.
Ensure You Have the Right Insurance
Of course, even when you take all of these precautions you still have a higher risk of being involved in an accident at some point than a regular motorist, which is why a top-notch taxi insurance policy is more than a legal requirement – it’s a necessity.
Having the right coverage will give you peace of mind knowing that such incidents will be taken care of by your insurance company. Comprehensive taxi insurance can cater for vehicle repair and theft, personal injuries, employee injuries, and provide compensation among other benefits. Sites such as Quotezone.co.uk make shopping for taxi insurance easy by giving drivers and business owners a platform to compare quotes.
