21/12/2014
Please share and let's spread awareness!
Safety of women while commuting:
We at Bangalore Drivers try our best to ensure we hire experienced drivers and educate them. However, we highly recommend women to be on high alert. Here are a few precautions to take. After all it's better to be safe than sorry. Please share this article and help us make Bangalore a safer city!
A women's guide to staying safe when using a cab service :
1. Chose a cab service which was considered safer, even if it cost extra.
2. Once you book a cab a woman needs to get into 'high alert' mode till the time she reaches her destination.
First check if the vehicle number and driver name matches. If there is a mismatch in the information then don't hesitate to call the cab service for confirmation.
Only after they confirm should you use the cab ignoring the driver's argument that this was a minor error.
3. You cannot drop your guard at any time or allow the driver to take a short cut for any reason.
You have to be adamant and insist on taking safe, high traffic routes. Avoid all deserted stretches at night even if it meant reaching late.
4. There are times when drivers try to engage in conversation with women passengers who use the cab service regularly from fixed locations, asking where you are from, what work you do or anything else. It is critical that women avoid such conversations or befriend cab drivers.
5. Lot of women talk personal stuff on the phone during their commute which may be overheard by the driver. The drivers know so much about the passenger and then they discuss amongst themselves. This can be dangerous for women. It must be avoided.
6. "There are times when a cab driver would turn up with a companion for a pickup. That is when a woman passenger needs to turn down the cab, insisting there is no other passenger apart from the driver. "You have to simply refuse such cabs."
7. Inform your husband/parents/friends that you are taking a cab service and let them know what time they can expect you home or elsewhere. Having someone informed about your whereabouts is highly recommended. Also give them the details about the driver or text them the cab number and cab service contact so that they can reach out in times of emergency.
Travelling alone is a necessity for women in cities like Bangalore but not trusting strangers, using your wits and never letting your guard down can be the most crucial tools in your survival kit on the road.