How to Stay Safe in a Taxi – Everything You Need to Know

Ever Felt Unsafe in a Taxi? You’re Not Alone.

Getting into a taxi should be simple. You hop in, give your destination, and get there without any hassle. But what if something feels off? Maybe the driver is acting strange. Maybe the route doesn’t seem right. Or maybe you just have a bad feeling.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps have made travel more convenient, but safety concerns still linger. The good news? A little knowledge can go a long way. This guide will show you how to stay safe before, during, and after your ride. No fluff, no nonsense, just clear steps to keep you in control.

How Do I Know If a Taxi Is Safe?

A taxi is safe if it’s licensed, has official markings, and the driver provides proper identification. Avoid unmarked cars, drivers who refuse to show ID, and taxis that seem dodgy.

Licensed taxis have clear signage, registration numbers, and a visible taxi meter. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt show driver details before pickup to make sure the car matches the app.

Red flags to watch for:

No taxi sign or meter
The driver avoids answering questions about licensing
The car looks worn-down or different from what was booked
The driver pressures you into taking a ride

If something feels off, trust your gut and don’t get in.

What Should I Do Before Getting in a Taxi?

Check the taxi’s details, sit in the back, and share your ride info with someone.

Before getting in:

Verify the license plate and driver details (especially with ride-hailing apps).
Look for official markings.
Sit in the back seat as this gives you more control.
Share your trip with a friend using live location tracking on your phone.

Want extra peace of mind? Have a fake phone call before entering. Say something like, “Hey, I just got in the cab, see you soon.” Drivers with bad intentions hate this.

The guys at U-Cars are always great at providing taxi knowledge in the Uttoxeter area.

How Can I Stay Safe During the Ride?

Stay alert, keep your phone ready, and don’t overshare personal details with the driver.

A good driver respects boundaries. If they start asking weird personal questions, shut it down. A simple, “I don’t feel comfortable talking about that” is enough. Or at the very least, laugh it off and change the subject.

Other safety tips:

Keep your phone unlocked and in your hand.
Follow the route on Google Maps, if it doesn’t match, ask why.
Avoid falling asleep, especially at night.
If the driver makes you uncomfortable, make a fake phone call and say your location out loud.

What If the Driver Takes a Weird Route?

Stay calm, check the route on your phone, and ask why they changed it. If something feels wrong, ask to stop in a public place.

Drivers sometimes take different routes to avoid traffic, but if it feels off, speak up. Say, “I noticed we’re off route, why is that?” A genuine driver will explain. If they get defensive or refuse to answer, that’s a red flag.

If the driver won’t stop or is acting aggressively, call someone and say your location out loud. If needed, ask to get out immediately.

What Should I Do If I Feel Unsafe?

Speak up, ask to stop in a public place, and call for help if needed.

If the driver is making you uncomfortable:

Stay firm: “Please stop here, I’ll get out.”
If they refuse, pretend to call someone: “I’m in a taxi near [location], I’ll be there in five minutes.”
Use emergency features on ride-hailing apps. Uber has an in-app emergency button.

If you’re being harassed or feel physically threatened, call the police immediately.

How Can I Avoid Getting Scammed?

Know the rough fare beforehand, avoid cash-only rides, and always check the meter.

Common taxi scams:

“Broken meter” – The driver claims the meter isn’t working and charges a high fare.
Taking the long route – They drive in circles to rack up the fare.
Fake fees – They demand extra for luggage or night rates.

How to avoid them:

Research the estimated fare before getting in.
Always ask if the meter is working before starting the ride.
Use cashless payments when possible—ride-hailing apps make this easier. Avoid scanning your card.

What Should I Do After the Ride?

Check for forgotten items, report bad drivers if needed, and leave a review.

Before leaving, double-check the seat for belongings. Phones, wallets, and bags often get left behind.

Had a bad experience? Report it. Most ride-hailing apps let you flag unsafe drivers. If you took a regular taxi, note the license plate and report them to local transport authorities.

Good drivers appreciate fair reviews. If you had a positive experience, leave a good rating, it helps other passengers choose safe drivers.