Too Wasted(2)

My recent post Too Wasted has attracted a large volume of traffic and some reasonable comment. Namely, how does one deal with wasted passengers ? Whilst a NSW cabbie is not legally obliged to carry such people, the question of responsibility is nonetheless valid. Does it turn on the patron, the hotel or the cabbie ? Here's a cabbie's rationale...

Consider this current case in Canada where a driver left a wasted passenger on the steps of a house. She subsequently froze to death in a temperature of -9°C,

The claim states Kahnapace was a patron at the Regina bar on Nov. 18, 2000. After consuming a large amount of alcohol, bar staff helped her call a taxi.

Johnson picked up Kahnapace from the bar. She told him she had money and directed him to take her to an address. When they arrived, Kahnapace wasn't able to pay the $4.05 fare.

Johnson had earlier stook trial for criminal negligence in the case in 2002, when the court heard there were two jackets in the cab _ one described as a cotton windbreaker, the other a heavier coat. Johnson gave Kahnapace the lighter coat, handed her a receipt for the heavier coat, then walked her to the steps of the house.

Although the cabbie was acquitted of criminal negligence, the deceased’s family is now suing the driver for multiple damages. So they should too, after he left the woman without adequate protection against the cold, for the sake of a $6 fare. But it’s a fair bet he’s now ruing the decision to accept that fare, once he saw how wasted she was.

In the case of the stranded woman in Too Wasted, I instinctively chose the letter of the law, rather than basic compassion. Something wasn’t right. Yet regular Cablog readers would be aware I’ve often applied the benefit of the doubt to passengers needing help, as will most cabbies. I know I speak for most cabbies in that we do care for others, as much as humanly possible. We have families too.

Conversely though, taxi driving is a dangerous and thankless job, especially when it comes to dealing with drunks and drug addicts. On a nightly basis we see a side of life not fully appreciated or witnessed by most others and, understandably we can become cynical and desensitised to the predicament of the wasted.

For basic reasons of self-preservation and financial viability we’re required to make snap judgements as to who we allow into our workplaces. Make the wrong call and we could be dead, robbed, bashed, charged, sued, whatever.

So when given a choice to carry a wasted passenger, a driver’s intuition must be fully satisfied, otherwise he can be forgiven for driving off at the slightest doubt. I have no intention of pleading the merits of charity from a courtroom dock or hospital bed. During a long night shift, the major goal is to safely make it home to my own bed. Good night.

Comments

[Walter]

To be pedantic--you're going to get a fair amount of comment that Regina is in Canada, not the US (not that stories like that can't happen here or anywhere).

But your larger point is quite well taken. Taking someone's winter coat in subzero weather and then dumping them on the stoop is inexcusable. If I'd had a passenger passed out and couldn't get anyone at their house to answer, I guess I'd call the cops or something. Being in jail sucks but it's better than freezing to death. And I'd write off the $4 fare. Not worth the trouble to collect.

[AG]

As you say "the goal is to safely make it home to my own bed." Exactly - you guys are cab drivers - not social workers, ambo's or the police. If a person gets themselves into such a state that they have no control over their actions why should the responsibility fall to to poor transport operator?

No one should question your judgement - if the situation looks bad to you then you should have every right to not be part of that situation.

[adamD]

You are right and I would like to apologise for my judgemental tone in my comments to the "Too wasted" blog entry.

I was angered not by your article but rather by the comments. The old right wing argument of; we're all grown-ups and therefore responsible for our actions and this removes any extra-normal duty of care.

Anyhoo, have a wonderful day and thanks for the excellent blog.

[The Paper Boy]

Well forgive us for suggesting grown adults should have to take responsibility for themselves.

Also, I didn't read anybody suggesting that help should not have been given to the young lady by compassionate friends, colleagues, taxi-drivers etc.

My particular beef is that we seem more and more able under law to blame and pass responsibility to other people when it is our own actions that have let us down.

[Belongum]

I can see your point Adam... mine wasn't about who should assume responsibility, mine was about - "Hey, something is VERY wrong - get the heck out of here!

Yes... a very selfish response, I agree."

I would like to hope there was someone good enough n themselves to help the young lady - whatever the situation. I personally, assess a situation when I'm presented with one, and depending on whether that situation presents me with a Threat of some sort, percieved or otherwise... one of my courses of action availble ot me - ALWAYS - is to remove myself from the threat - RUN!

I'm human, so I'll do what I can if I can... but there are (and I've been in a few such situations) times when your preservation skills kick in and remove you from the scene.

I hope this makes me neither right or wrong, but as I said - human.

Cheers mate ;-)

[Brian]

I see Walter beat me to the geography lesson, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

A fare more sinister aspect of that Regina story is the possibility of the race card. Not the first time it has raised its ugly head in that part of the world, to be fair it usually involves police forces, not cabbies.

[Walter]

Brian raises a point that I'd forgotten about. If I remember correctly (and I may not), there was a case a few years ago where the cops in Canada abandoned a drunk Indian in the snow (they drove him out of their jurisdiction and left him or some such).

And while people should take responsibility for their actions taking someone's coat in subzero weather and then abandoning them in the cold is beyond normal decency.

[Brian]

I’m not judging Adrian’s actions on this, having been in situations similar it’s a judgment call at the time and circumstances. The operators and staff of the establishment have more to answer for imo.

To follow up on Walters point, if ones cares to have a good hair curling read get hold of “Starlight Tour. The last, lonely night of Neil Stonechild”. That is the death he is most likely thinking of, but is just one of many.

[adrian]

Thanks folks, with the influx of new visitors unfamiliar with Cablog, I felt further explanation of a cabbie's situation was warranted.

And yes of course, it's Canada ! Cheers,

[george]

after driving cabs for 25 years i have had many pissed idiots that i have felt sorry for and have stopped and taken the fare but not anymore,had to many being sick in the cab,not having the money to pay the fare,wanting to pick a fight,treating me like a piece of shit because in there eyes your just a cabbie,so if your drunk you can get the courtisty bus home from the pub or club you have been just don't hail this cabbie for all you will see is the finger.