Sick

A reader writes,

I have to get cabs most nights home from work (a decent fare). Most drivers drive like maniacs and I get home feeling carsick! Can you address this in your blog? How do I say 'stop driving like a crazy person' without getting tossed on the curb?

The operative word here is ‘sick’. As I’ve previously written, the only thing which scares drivers more than being mugged is vomit. Yet indicating that you feel sick requires some tactful phrasing in order to avoid ‘getting tossed on the curb’.

Maybe something like, "Driver, please slow down, I’ve just had an operation." Or, as the above writer is female I advised her to consider using the ‘pregnant’ word.

There are numerous defences available to passengers which will tip the balance of power their way. That’s the dynamic involved in a situation where the driver is behaving/driving like an idiot. Often your safety and maybe life is at stake so I encourage passengers to use whatever tactics possible. You're entitled to lie, heavily.

Finally, in any situation involving dodgy conduct or fares always ask for a receipt, ensuring the correct plate number is quoted. Without this a dispute can't be pursued.

Further reading - passenger tips.

Comments

[dave]

I understand that in some situations tact is needed but if you feel that your safety is in danger or the driving is making you sick you shouldn't have to use tact, the driver is providing you with a service that you are paying for and as such you should be satisfied with the level of service. Why should one pander to the feelings of an erratic cab driver? If they are driving like an idiot just tell them not too.

[Sprite]

More to the point, how do you get a bus driver to drive more safely? Some of those guys are intent on killing/maiming their passengers!