Time to do a job change......

[Modellpularn]

You begin to wonder, or think about doing something else. I was assaulted and beaten Thursday night, by some crazy customer. We had an argument about which way I should have taken to his destination. I got mad and stepped on it, he called the cops, saying I was going fast. Then he yelled at me to stop "not here, I can't stop in the middle of the road" so I pulled over at a bus stop. Stopped the meter, and told him to get out of the car. But he wanted to go further, to his street. So I continued, he yelled stop.... I pull over at the next bus stop, and again told him to get out, call another cab. I finally thought to go towards a place, three gas stations, where I know there's usually other taxi cabs, and sometimes cops. By this time the guy was calling the cops again.... as we got close to the gas stations, he said that he was scared. "Serves you right" I thought. Told him "I'll just drive to hell" (smash the car) slammed on the brakes, then he hit me, yelling stop all the time, tearing and grabbing at everything; the computer screen, steering wheel, shifter, hit me again and finally switched off the ignition. I drive a SAAB, so the key is between the seats.... when the car stopped, he jumped out and ran. But I had the feeling he was around the car as I tried to start it, and it wouldn't fire....! At the sixth try it fired, and I took off for the gas station. Called the taxi company, and they sent a collegue, and the cops. Now I have a fine shiner under my right eye, and swoolen temple, and jaw joint/hinge. Have some difficulty to eat.

[insaneMB]

You begin to wonder, or think about doing something else. I was assaulted and beaten Thursday night, by some crazy customer. We had an argument about which way I should have taken to his destination. I got mad and stepped on it, he called the cops, saying I was going fast. Then he yelled at me to stop "not here, I can't stop in the middle of the road" so I pulled over at a bus stop. Stopped the meter, and told him to get out of the car. But he wanted to go further, to his street. So I continued, he yelled stop.... I pull over at the next bus stop, and again told him to get out, call another cab. I finally thought to go towards a place, three gas stations, where I know there's usually other taxi cabs, and sometimes cops. By this time the guy was calling the cops again.... as we got close to the gas stations, he said that he was scared. "Serves you right" I thought. Told him "I'll just drive to hell" (smash the car) slammed on the brakes, then he hit me, yelling stop all the time, tearing and grabbing at everything; the computer screen, steering wheel, shifter, hit me again and finally switched off the ignition. I drive a SAAB, so the key is between the seats.... when the car stopped, he jumped out and ran. But I had the feeling he was around the car as I tried to start it, and it wouldn't fire....! At the sixth try it fired, and I took off for the gas station. Called the taxi company, and they sent a collegue, and the cops. Now I have a fine shiner under my right eye, and swoolen temple, and jaw joint/hinge. Have some difficulty to eat.

that blows...

[Harry P.]

Being a taxi driver is a dangerous job. You never know what kind of crazy nut you might pick up next.

I don't know what your personal situation is, but if it was me I'd be looking to change careers right about now. That incident would have been my last fare...

[Railfreak78]

This is a very overlooked job. I am sorry for your pain. Here where I live a taxi cab is based on an old police car and for good reason. The driver and passenger should always be apart. I hope you feel better soon.

[Agent G]

After my retirement from the police department I applied for, and was hired, as a security officer in a major casino resort. After two days I decided it wasn't for me. Even in that upscale property, patrons are sometimes way too irrational. That and the security function was perceived as a necessary evil. We were really restricted in our dealings with violent people. Think "targets".

I went back to law enforcement, and do not regret it a bit.

Point is what do you feel is best for you? Do what ya gotta do.

G

[MrObsessive]

Once upon a time I once drove a taxi for a living. Yes, you can run into some really nasty sonofaguns in that line of work. One thing that kept them at bay for me was keeping a rubber mallot in between the seats.

I had my fill of it though back in 2000 when an individual fell on his rear end in my van, and then had a stroke the next day. His family tried to sue (unsuccessfully), and then the cab company was not very helpful towards my case as they were trying to cover their own rear ends.

So I went and got a much safer (and much better paying) job where I've been for the last ten years.

Over the 10 years I drove taxi off and on, I've been held up at gunpoint (for $10), gotten into fistfights with drunks (sometimes 2 or 3 at a time), had someone try to use me as a getaway car once, had babies nearly born in my car, you name it!

The cab company? They've since gone out of business, after they were shut down by our state PUC due to lack of insurance coverage for their cabs on the road.

Serves 'em right!

[Guest Johnny]

My uncle was a cab driver for over 25 years (here local and in Chicago) and was beaten up or robbed an average of three times a year!(he would go where others fear to tread)

The last time was two guys with a gun telling him to drive out of town. He figutrd it would be his last ride if he did so as they approached the bridge over the river as they headed out he bailed out of the car which hit a divider curb turned right through a frnce and into the water!

This was about a block and a half above the dam. Both got out but one didn't make shore and went over and drowned!

He never drove cab again after that. That was in 1977.

It has always been a dangerous job and is even worse now days!

Look for something safer, you will be much happier!

[B_rad88]

wow, that sucks. sorry to hear that.

wait you drive a saab as a taxi? huh, thats an odd choice, lol

[Wagoneer81]

Man, I have seen enough nutjobs and wackos during my time driving over the road as a freight hauler, I can't imagine having them in the same vehicle with me... Anyone who can drive a taxi has bigger cookies than me. Hans, run don't walk to the nearest exit! Next time you might not be so lucky, friend. I'm glad that you got out of that one relatively intact. Yes, your pride took a hit and your angry as Hell... Nobody likes being beat on, trust me I know... But, you got out of it alive. Take that as an opening to make a fresh start. I've seen a lot worse. Before I drove Semi's for a living, Half a lifetime ago, I spent 8 years as a Firefighter/EMT. I worked some night shifts as a "Ride-Along" with a friend who was a Paramedic with Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. Trust me when I say, "It. Could. Have. Been. Worse!" I don't usually say this but, God Bless you, my Friend and stay safe. I'll pray that you are successful in finding other and safer means of support.

Chris Eddy

Bill, I had to chuckle at the rubber mallet comment, good choice of equalizer. When I drove freight, I carried a 4-D cell Maglight and a three pound hammer beside the drivers seat, on the floor between the door and seat in every truck I drove. Cops and DOT never questioned it because they were tools. I still carry them, in the same location in my Jeep. Several times over the course of my travels, I was very glad they were there. I still have the hammer but had to replace the Maglight several years ago because the casing ended up bent bad enough that the batteries didn't want to come out when I changed them... Stay safe, friends!!! It's crazy out there!

[B_rad88]

Not in Sweden.

I drive a Saab here in the USA. Now THAT is odd!

lol, thank you for the laugh, i really needed it.

there is only a few saab's i found i wouldn't mind driving, a 99turbo & a 900turbo, or one of the newer ones that looks nice. other than that, i'll pass, lol.

[Modellpularn]

Thanks all of you for your warm support! Even if we are thousands of miles apart, the message comes through like you're next to me, and I really appreciate that. This hobby has given me so many nice friends, from all parts of the world, and it's so cool to meet people who speak styrene, or slot cars. And also care for each other.

Wagoneer, yes I was angry as Hell the next days. And it rubbed off on some customers Sat nite....

As to some new career, I haven't really looked that much into it. But it's long overdue. Thanks again you guys!