On Risk

Early on Sunday morning I carried home two young women in separate fares. Both travelled alone, were moderately intoxicated and both elected to sit up-front. Whilst I engaged in easy conversation with one woman I refused to talk to the other.

The first girl wore a tight, revealing mini skirt and carried a bag of spirit bottles which clinked constantly on the floor. Having her sitting next to me with bare, tanned thighs was somewhat unnerving and I wished she cover them with the bag.

Also her timid posture and nervous small talk suggested that she was acutely self conscious of her exposed legs. They were the elephant in the room, if you like.

Sure, girls are entitled to dress for sex but a private party with friends and a darkened taxi with a stranger are totally different worlds. If a girl is blessed with beautiful legs or breasts and chooses to feature them on a night out, why jeopardise personal safety by sitting up-front in a taxi, especially after drinking ? It doesn't make sense.

Basic commonsense should mean it’s safer to sit in the back of taxis in order to reduce the risk of inappropriate attention, either perceived or real, from the driver. For the next 20 minutes I imposed my own safety measure by completely ignoring her and listening to country music from the radio.

Shortly after this the second girl boarded and sat up-front. She wore black jeans, slouched comfortably in the seat and chatted amicably. This was an unremarkable fare without a shred of sexual tension or physical vulnerability. Good.

(Further reading-Safeguarding)

Comments

[Rainer the cabbie]

If you play country music to your passengers, on what is the end of Saturday night, you should not have to worry about sexual tension in the cab. ;)

[beaker]

Hey Adrian, I've often wondered: does the cabbie get offended if one is to go straight to the back seat? This is something I've done all my life, (I'm a woman) - courtesy of some advice from my dad when I was young and better looking! I do worry that some drivers might think it's a 'snob' thing though: that the passenger feels that he or she is to be 'chauffered' rather than just driven. I still do go to the back seat, and though I don't want to offend anybody, jumoing in the back for the journey makes me feel more comfortable...and I've never had an 'incident' or any tension with a driver. what do you reckon?

[Greg]

Aren't you supposed to be keeping your eyes on the road?

[ex legionnaire]

Hey Beaker,
I am sure Adrian will agree with me-it is your cab, and you may sit where you like-within reason!I don't think there is the 'snob' factor any more, that may have existed many years ago when Australia had more pretensions to being a totally egalitarian society, but sitting in back or front makes no real difference in the long run. If you feel more comfy in the back , no problem.Overall, just be polite , and if you feel like it, be friendly and engage in a bit of small talk if the driver is receptive.No driver minds a passenger that sits back to enjoy the view out the window.
Lose any guilty qualms Beaker, and enjoy the rides.And if it makes you feel better-I'm a bloke, and I enjoy the back seat privelege. It's a nice change of viewpoint!
On the funny side... I remember at the first drama school I attended where the director, a woman very much of the old school English Rep, used to 'insult' women students by saying "...good god, you probably ride in the front seat of the cab, and eat while walking on the street!"
But she WAS a snob!And times have changed!

[Anatole]

I don't mind at all when a female passenger sits in the back. I'd say just over half of them do. Hearing the stories of things that have happened (I've heard some nasty ones from girls I've picked up), then I don't blame 'em.

Still, I prefer it when people sit in the front. I don't bite.

And blokes that sit in the back (when they're by themselves, that is) really annoy me.

[kingofnewyorkhacks]

Can you imagine how I feel when I have 3 women and a transvestite in the taxi at the same time and can't tell which one is not the woman...its happened to me , and next time I'm just going to put on the country music station.Case closed.

[Hailstorm Hayley]

WTF?! are you SERIOUS!!?!!
So because she is wearing a short skirt, you're undeveloped excuse for a brain feels intimidated and therefore she should not wear one or sit in the backseat if she does, so that you dont blow your load? (either that or drive herself home drunk) That is plain ridiculous and chauvinist. Your story actually provokes thoughts of the recent case where a young woman was raped by a cabbie in a similar situation, no doubt with the same complex as you.
I don’t suppose it occurred to you that the young lady who (probably later regretful to have) happened upon your taxi felt self conscious on noticing leering peepers checking her out and the sleazy vibe you no doubt exhumed, perhaps making her realise how vulnerable she actually was with you? She was likely thinking of the young lady I mention above who was attacked by a cabbie.
I can only image though it would be different if a young bloke in stubbies hopped in the front of your cab and was showing a bit of thigh.
I suppose we can interpret this as only ugly chicks or girls with long pants on should feel welcome to sit in the front seat of a cab. But hang on…. the customer is paying so isn’t it really up to them to sit where they please, providing they are wearing a seatbelt?

I've been reading your blog for quite a while now but this and your recent bitch on cab rank etiquette has gone too far. Youre getting a bit big for your boots there Mr Cabbie, & should prob watch out when you next wind down your window, because your tickets might just blow off!

[Rainer the cabbie]

Boy, I love an opinionated girl that makes a strong point. Sorry Adrian, I do agree with Hayley here, I look at these delicious young girls as if they were my daughter and behave accordingly.

Then I checked out Hayley's blog, expecting to find some lesbian revolutionary, tell the world to go to hell, type post.
Not even close; flowers, arts and crafts and cats.
Hayley, I reckon you would score a lot more readers if you write a few posts like your comment above, we shall come to visit and give you our 2 bob worth of opinion.

[adrian]

Rainer, that 'strong point' ignores the wisdom you expressed on the Safeguarding post, i.e. stranger danger everywhere.

Once Hayley's invective is filtered out it seems she is saying that a customer's right to sit wherever they like, no matter how vulnerable, is more important than safety first. Call me old-fashioned.

[Hailstorm Hayley]

It seems the point has surpassed you Adrian, Rainer, is that its not up to a cab driver or anyone for that matter to demoralise a passenger because they may be wearing a short skirt. More concerning, is this situation causing your apparent adolescent brain to shift to your pants. A woman should feel safe catching a cab in any circumstance which sadly is no longer the case, thanks to the likes of yourself and colleagues such as Mr Ali, as per the recent court hearing prompted by Jess Loiterton.
Obviously this girl was HOT which is what your real problem is here and what really got your goat, of you wouldn’t have gotten your knickers in such a knot.
I sincerely hope the next person to sit up front your cab leaves the sweaty ball-print of his flies eyes slapping on your throne, I mean passenger seat.

[Rainer the cabbie]

Firstly, congratulation Adrian on becoming a grandpa, beautiful picture. And then to have Hayley call you adolescent must make your day somehow.
Hayley
" A woman should feel safe catching a cab in any circumstance which sadly is no longer the case, thanks to the likes of yourself... "
This rant got me quiet upset and put me off my morning coffee. I, and many of my fellow professional driver, take the out most care when carrying female passengers, being totally aware that women catch Taxi's for safety reasons. We behave like gentleman and treat our customers with the respect they deserve. And don't forget, Mum and Dad, it is me that transports your pissed and inebriated daughter home at 3am. and makes sure she gets there OK. Not only is that my job, but I always take pleasure in it as I am doing my bit for the community.
What gets on my goat in regard to your comment above is the childish simplicity that you employ, totally missing the point being made by Adrian and myself. The point being that we do not mind girls dressing in a provocative manner, but that they are stupid enough to bring themselves into situation where the wrong person can get hold of them. Its a bit like dressing in a bikini and then going for a walk along Canterbury road at 2 in the morning, proclaiming that it is your right to do this as you are walking on the footpath !
Working in the community and dealing with the general public makes us very aware of the scumbags out there and therefore we are concerned about safety, take Adrian's post in that manner and come of your high horse Hayley. And when you are sitting in a car, do wear a seat belt, even though you may never be involved in a accident.

[dave]

Wow Haley, don't you just come across as an intelligent level headed person?

How about you try and get your point across civilly? People might actually take you seriously then.

So, why don't you calm down, get off your high horse and put your arguments in a nice tone in future. This isn't Andrew Bolt's blog you know...

[Greg]

It would be a better world all around if we could indeed get past the kind of thinking exhibited here that women dressing "provocatively" are "asking for it" or "putting themselves at risk". Predators are predators, not hormone-charged automatons, "old-fashioned" paternalists, or whatever other excuse one cares to fashion.

[Esi]

For a bit of a different perspective... Where do you think it's safest for a passenger to sit? I often feel uneasy getting a cab home late at night by myself (particularly if the journey home is a long one) and always wonder which is safest. The back seat or the front?

[Nam]

Hayley - you're an idiot. Comparing Adrian to Mr. Ali is so far off the mark that gives one no other option to conlcude that you're an idiot. Discussion closed.

Rainer - You're wasting your time in making such well thought and written arguments in reply to this embecile.

Beaker and Esi - if in doubt, take the back seat. The front seat is preferable because it indicates you are trusting of the driver but it is understandable if you choose the back.

Anatole - guys sitting in the back was an annoying pet hate of mine too!!! Haha. Oh well, it's the perogative isn't it? Just as long as they pay and don't cause trouble is key. Anything else is a tip. But beware of the friendly ones who sit in the front, make you wait in front of a large apartment block for their payment, and never arrive. Now that's annoying!

[d.]

Excellent advise that I'll be passing along to some of my fairer faring friends. ;)

[Involved]

Esi, you are %30 safer in the back.

[R. C.]

I recall this one little Mexican guy who always took a ride from 1 gay bar to another, less than 1 km. He always wore this white cowboy outfit, and always insisted on sitting in the front seat. He would put his hand on my leg, and I would twist his arm as much as I figgured I could without breaking it, didn't deter him. After a couple of such rides, I said he couldn't ride in the front seat, he'd refuse to get in the cab. Then he'd just go back into the bar and call up and order another ride. They'd take the call too.

[Esi]

d. - 30% safer in the back? Please explain.

[Hailstorm Hayley]

Wow, a whole 30% safer, good odds – NOT!

Glad I inspired you all to post your comments HAHA I wonder who is the stupid imbecile now, who feels the need to reply to comments from someone you feel is inferior and unintelligent. *Note the correct spelling of IMBECILE, you IMBECILE

Esi, seems the blatant facts are as a female travelling alone you are not safe in a taxi driven by a male – as proven by the whole “30%” safer in the back. What a crock. My mind hasn’t been swayed that a majority of the taxi industry are not chauvinistic apes & predators, dressed up as normal human beings and regular daddies.

Rainer, thanks for stopping by my blog and being honest & open with sharing your thoughts

Hailey, after this your third abusive and vacuous comment I've decided to delete your blog details as you are obviously link-whoring for traffic. Try your luck somewhere else.

Adrian

[Rainer the cabbie]

Adrian
Fair enough.....

[Goldstein]

Adrian:

You will notice that I've been a good boy and haven't commented until now..

When I read the first comment from "Hayley" I had horrible flash-backs to experiences at Uni with extremist so-called "feminists" who, basically, saw all men as perpetrators -"All Men Are Potential Rapists" was emblazoned on one of their "Reclaim The Night" posters..

This "Hayley" needs a good kick in the arse -metaphorical or otherwise -what gives her the right or even the reason to lob onto this blog and spray insults at you -a decent, law abiding gentleman -because you made some REAL WORLD observations regarding your concerns about schickered skimpily dressed young women ?

She is typical of some young aggro women you find at Uni or Art School who feel that simply because they are a female, they somehow represent ALL females and every grievance that is somehow particular to women -they are a "person" when it suits them, but a "woman" when that suits whatever the cranky argument is that they are noisily propounding..

This idiot clearly thinks that absolute freedom is achievable -best she put on her bikini and take a walk in Lakemba on a Friday night and argue with the fellows she meets about a woman's right to dress as she pleases, or try walking about in parts of Tel Aviv on a Saturday uncovered, etc etc..

As a young bloke I was silly enough to go into a working man's pub dressed mostly in red, and barely escaped with my life after locals decided I must be a "dirty poofter" because of my outfit -real men only wearing black, navy or brown..

Etc etc -anyone with life experience knows what I'm getting at -none of us has complete freedom of self expression in all places at all times.

A young woman with any sense would consider the reality of our imperfect world and not put herself at risk. And the reality is that there are very few assaults on women by taxi drivers. It is still safer to go door to door in a cab than walk to and from train stations and home (RIP Anita Cobby).

This noisy fool "Hayley" is taking advantage of the anonymity of the Net to take a spray at an entirely undeserving target. And as for her "blog" -scrap-booking ? "My windy vagina" ? Umm, no thanks.. (yawn)..

[adrian]

Goldstein, your restraint was admirable, considering the tantrums and provocation. Any more and she will be blocked forever.

[Nam]

Hey Adrian,

Don't block Hayley. Allow the world to revel in this card making cat loving fool (no disrepect to cat lovers out there or card makers for that matter :)). I actually enjoy reading her nonsense. I'll admit she angered me initially but after seeing her blog and reading her dopey comments one can't help but be entertained by this BIMBO moron.

Hayley - Embecile/imbecile, who cares, are you the spelling police? At least I can string a coherent sentence together unlike you. Keep coming back because I will enjoy taunting you.

Nam

[Krupo]

@beaker - in Canada and presumably the US, when your friends are sitting in the back and no one is in the front, they call getting taxi-driver treatment. Just keep that in mind - it's EXPECTED you sit in the back here, both men and women. :)