Is Your Night-Time Cab Ride Safe? A True Story That Will Make You Think Twice: Safety On Wheels

Late-night cab rides can be a lifeline for many women, but they also come with hidden risks. One woman's harrowing experience sheds light on how vulnerable women can feel during nighttime travel. Here's her story and some essential safety tips to ensure a safer journey.

The woman, a journalist from Delhi, was on her usual late-night ride home when her cab driver fell asleep at the wheel. "Hey, look ahead... what are you doing? Are you asleep?" she screamed. Before she knew it, the cab had crashed into a divider and swerved towards an overpass. Despite the shock, the driver apologised, claiming he hadn't slept in two days due to financial pressure. But the situation quickly took a darker turn when the driver insisted she cancel the ride because the car’s tyre had "burst." With no one else around and the clock striking midnight, she realised just how unsafe the situation had become.

As she sat terrified in the car, waiting for help, she wondered if she'd ever be able to feel safe taking a cab at night again.

How Safe Are Cabs for Women at Night?

Recent discussions have emphasised the need for safe transport options for women working night shifts. However, incidents like the one above have made many question just how safe cabs really are at night.

When a woman steps into a cab, she places complete trust in the driver. But how can we know if the driver is fit to drive? What if he’s tired, unwell, or has been drinking? A driver’s rating on a ride-sharing app only reflects previous customers’ experiences, not the driver’s current state. So, it's crucial to take additional precautions.

Key Safety Tips for Women Taking Cabs at Night

Here are some practical steps you can take to ensure your safety when travelling by cab at night:

• Share Your Ride Details: Always share your cab’s number and the driver’s name with a trusted friend or family member before you start your journey.
• Check the Condition of the Vehicle: Before getting into the cab, check the car for signs of wear and tear, such as worn-out tyres or a dirty interior. These are signs the vehicle might not be well-maintained, which increases the risk of an accident.
• Stay Alert, Don’t Get Distracted: Avoid being engrossed in your phone during the ride. Staying aware of your surroundings can help you notice anything unusual.
• Assess the Driver’s Condition: Engage in small talk with the driver to gauge if they seem alert. Ask casual questions like, "Are you alright?" or "You seem tired."

Always Wear Your Seatbelt: No matter where you sit, the seatbelt is your first line of defence in the event of an accident.

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What to Do in Case of an Emergency

In the unfortunate event that something goes wrong during your ride, here’s what you should do:

• Call Emergency Services: Dial 112, the police control room number, immediately.
• Inform the Police of Your Location: Make sure you share your exact location to ensure help arrives quickly.
• Request a Female Officer: If possible, ask for a female officer to assist you for added comfort and security.
• Document the Incident: When the police arrive, make sure to file a written complaint and keep a record of it. If they refuse, call the women’s helpline at 1091.

Contact the Cab Company: Inform the ride-sharing service and ask them to send another cab, and make sure to have the new driver’s details verified by the police before getting in.

The Dark Truth Behind Cab Services

Many cab and bike drivers work long hours, often juggling multiple jobs. However, companies rarely set "ride limits" for drivers. In fact, many drivers work through the night after their regular jobs, sometimes getting only a few hours of sleep. This can be extremely dangerous for passengers, especially when drivers are fatigued.

The woman’s experience is not a rare or fictional occurrence. If she had been distracted or asleep during the ride, the consequences could have been far worse.

While cab services offer convenience, the safety of women, especially at night, remains a serious concern. It’s essential to stay vigilant, take necessary precautions, and always trust your instincts when travelling after dark.

If you’ve had a similar experience or know someone who has, please share your story and help raise awareness about the need for safer night-time transport options for women.

Share Your Story:

If you’ve ever had a frightening experience with a cab or public transport, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to:

[email protected]

Stay safe, stay aware, and keep fighting for better safety standards on the road!

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Image Courtesy: Freepik