When someone needs to go to the market, office, or travel to another city, they simply pick up their phone, open the taxi app, and order a cab. Yes, it’s that easy nowadays. However, with this increased convenience also comes the risk of being robbed or victimized by various other crimes.
Though everyone is at risk of becoming a victim, women are at a higher risk, and that’s why they must be careful while booking a taxi for themselves, especially when travelling alone, at night, or in another city. Most women understand the risk and are concerned about their safety, but know nothing about booking a safe taxi.
To make women feel safer while travelling alone, or in another city, some taxi apps, including Ride Ciao, have added safety tools like driver ratings, live tracking, trip sharing, and emergency buttons. If you travel by cab frequently, or at odd times and are concerned about your safety, read this blog until the end to learn how to book a safe premium cab for women.
Choose Trusted Taxi Apps
The first step to staying safe is to use a trusted taxi app. Not all applications are the same. Some are well-known and follow strict safety rules, while others may not be reliable. You should look for apps that:
- Show the driver’s name, photo and car number.
- Let you track your ride in real time.
- Have an emergency or SOS button.
- Let you rate the driver and give feedback.
Pro Tip: If you are unable to find a reliable app for cab booking in Ludhiana, download Ride Ciao, the best taxi application in India with all the safety features you need.
Check Driver Details Before the Ride
Once your cab has arrived at your provided location, always check the driver’s details before getting in. This may seem small, but it is one of the most important safety steps. Here is what to look for before getting into any cab:
- Car number plate
- Car model and colour
- The driver’s name and photo
If anything doesn’t match, do not get into the car. Cancel the ride immediately. Also, never tell them your name first. Instead, ask the cab driver, “Who are you here to pick up?” Get into the cab only if they say your name correctly.
Share Your Ride Information
One of the easiest and smartest ways to stay safe during a taxi ride is to share your trip details with someone you trust. Most taxi apps have a built-in feature that lets you do this in just one tap. Though sharing your ride information may seem like a small task, it is important for the following reasons:
- Your spouse, family, or friends can track you in real time.
- Someone will know where you are if anything goes wrong.
- They will know the driver’s name, car number, and where you are going.
Sharing your ride doesn’t take much effort, but it adds a strong layer of safety. You should never be shy or hesitant about sharing your ride information because your safety matters more than anything.
Use Safety Features in the App
Some taxi apps come with built-in safety tools made to protect you during your ride. Knowing how and when to use these can help you stay safe and act quickly if something feels wrong. Here is the list of key features you must look for in a cab booking app:
- Emergency or SOS button
- Live ride tracking
- Driver details and trip info
- Call support or the help center
Pro Tip: Practice using these features once so you are not confused in an emergency. Knowing where everything is will help you stay calm and respond faster.
Choose the Right Time and Place
When booking a cab, the time and location you choose can make a big difference in how safe your journey is. Here are some tips for choosing the right time when booking a taxi:
- Plan your trips earlier in the evening, before it gets too dark.
- Avoid very late-night rides if you can, especially when travelling alone.
- If you must travel late, inform someone you trust before the ride starts.
Keep in mind that the risk is not always in the cab, but also outside and for your safety, make sure you wait for your cab while standing in a well-lit and busy area. Also, do not let the driver stop far away from your gate or building. Ask them to drop you as close as possible to your destination.
Sit in the Back Seat
Where you sit in a cab matters more than most people realize. For your safety, do not sit in the front unless you have no other options. If you are confused about why we are saying that, here are some points to help you understand why the back seat is safer:
- It makes it difficult for the driver to reach you or make sudden contact.
- You can exit from either door if you feel unsafe or need to get out quickly.
- You have more distance from the driver, which gives you enough personal space.
Pro Tip: Do not fall asleep during the ride. If you fall asleep, the driver might take a different route or make an unnecessary stop, and you wouldn’t know.
Trust Your Instincts
Most people forget about it when they make women aware of the risks while travelling via cabs or taxis. But let us tell you that your instincts are one of the strongest safety tools you always have with you. If something feels off, even if you have no idea why, pay attention to it instead of dismissing it. It’s always better to exercise caution rather than ignore warning indicators. Here is what you should do if something feels off but you can’t explain it:
- Cancel the ride before it starts.
- Ask for help from people nearby if you feel uneasy.
- Refuse to get into the cab if the driver’s face, car number or vibe feels off.
Remember, you do not need proof to protect yourself. Your safety comes first, even if it means hurting someone’s feelings or losing a few rupees.
On the Final Note
Many women have to travel via cab at odd hours for various reasons, including working in night shifts, education or exams, business work, and many others. And travelling by cab or taxi can be risky, especially if you do it at night. But there are a few ways you can try to make your trip safer.
Some include choosing a trusted taxi app, checking driver details, sharing your ride information, and using safety features in the app. All the tips you need to ensure your safety while travelling in a cab are mentioned above in this blog. For quicker, safer, and smoother rides, book your taxi online on Ride Ciao, India’s best electric cab company.
