In a busy city like Chennai, cab services become part and parcel of one’s daily life. It could be to travel to work, go to an airport, or see places within the city. Above all, cabs offer much convenience and flexibility. Yet, just like in any urban setting, ensuring your safety while availing these becomes paramount. Here come tips that will help keep you safe while taking a cab in Chennai.
- Avail Services from Reputed Cabs
First of all, always use some trusted and well-established cab services. Popular app-based platforms like Ola, Uber, and local cab operators like MTC Car Hire are generally safer as they come with inbuilt security features like GPS tracking, driver identification, and cashless payment options.
Why It Matters:
• Verified Drivers: Legitimate services background check their drivers.
• Ride Tracking: You can share all the details of your ride with your friends or family for added security.
- Check Driver and Vehicle Information
Before you start your ride, make sure to check the driver and vehicle details as flashed on the app or the booking platform.
Key Steps:
• Match License Plate and Car Model: Check that the registration number and model of the car match the information provided.
• Driver’s Identity Check: Match the face of the driver to that displayed on the application or the cab platform.
Pro Tip:
If you are using a local taxi service, ask for a receipt or booking slip with the cab details on it for reference.
- Share Your Ride Information
Most ride-hailing apps also offer an option to share the status of your trip with someone you trust. If hailing a traditional cab, let a friend or loved one know when you depart and where you are heading and what time you’ll arrive.
How to Do It:
• In-app “Share Trip” on Uber or Ola sends a live link of your journey.
• In case of non-app based rides, share the cab number and your route details via text or call.
- Plan Your Route
Familiarize yourself with the general route to your destination. Even if you are new in the city, know your route using any navigation application like Google Map, which can show real-time locations of your travel.
Why It’s Important:
• Deviations would be avoided: You can surely tell if the driver has taken an unexpected route.
• Keep them Informed: You can also recommend diversions, in case there is heavy traffic congestion or blockage.
- Sit Smartly in the Cab
Your seating option could determine your safety.
Best Practices:
• Solo Travelers: Prefer to sit in the back seat. It is safer and provides an additional layer of personal space.
• Group Travelers: Loosen up to give vision and balance in the cab.
- Be Aware of Surroundings
Be more alert and avoid distractions through using electronic devices such as phones, headphones, especially in unsafe areas.
Key Tips:
• Observe the Route: Keep an eye on landmarks and road signs.
• Be Cautious: In the event of suspicious behavior or taking an unusual route, raise an alarm or ask the driver to stop in a public area.
- Refrain from Sharing Personal Information
Your driver doesn’t need to know personal details beyond what is necessary for the trip.
Safety Guidelines:
• Keep Conversations General: Avoid discussing sensitive topics like your address, work location, or travel plans.
• Secure Payment Information: Make purchases through the app using whatever in-app purchase methods are available to you to avoid exposing your financial information.
- Trust Your Gut
If at any time you are feeling uncomfortable or unsafe during your ride, just trust your gut feeling.
Actions to Take:
• Stop the Ride: Ask the driver to pull over at a safe and public location.
• Seek Help: Utilize in-app emergency features on ride-hailing apps or call local police at 100 in case you feel threatened.
- Be Cautious During Late-Night Rides
Extra precautions should be taken against risks related to late-night traveling.
Tips for Night Rides:
• Prefer well-lit pickup and drop-off points and avoid isolated ones.
• Stay in Communication: Let a friend or family member know what is happening along your journey.
Conclusion:
Safe and comfortable intra-city travel is definitely possible through cabs in Chennai, provided minimum security precautions are observed. Right from using well-established services, awareness about surroundings to the modern-day use of technology for staying safe, herein are tips that will ensure secured and comfortable journeys, be it commuting intra-city or traveling for sightseeing purposes.
Author: Kritika Singh
Kritika is a passionate travel writer with a knack for uncovering hidden gems and crafting compelling narratives that inspire wanderlust. With a background in journalism and a love for exploring diverse cultures
