Scared to go in the taxi alone

[Desperatehousewifeswasthebest]

Does anyone else have this?

I generally don’t drink much anymore, maybe the odd one and I drive or Dh does.
We have a 5 year old, I’m in my 40’s and did lots of going out in my youth.
I tend to meet friends for coffee or lunch and don’t really go out in the evenings much without family (some would say that’s quite boring 😅)
Anyway, my mums friends group have been trying to get it sorted to go out for a girls night for ages, it’s coming up. Dh will drop me off, which is fine, we’ll likely drink a bit so will get a taxi back, I’ve realised I’ll be the last on the journey so will be in the taxi alone. It’s sound so ridiculous but it’s making me so anxious
Does anyone else feel this?

I make a point of visibly checking the driver's ID as I get in and take a photo of the licence plate.

I don't know whether it would help if he was a wrong un, but it makes me look less like a good rape prospect.

I've never had a problem with taxi drivers, Uber, Bolt etc. Used them a lot all over, solo and with groups. I do think it's quite irrational to be this scared tbh. Yes every now and then you'll get a dickhead but the vast majority are just normal folks doing their job.

If you're super worried I'm pretty sure Bolt has a "women for women" option to select female only drivers. I'm sure it's Bolt, I used it a lot when I was in Budapest recently and felt more comfortable going back to the hotel late at night with a female driver. Have a look if it's an option available in the area you're going out? You might just have to wait longer for your ride.

Yes it is. It's their job.

You're much more likely to be assaulted by your husband

Taxis booked on apps give you the name of the driver and the car registration.

Cabs are much safer now than they used to be. Book the cab so you can share your journey with a friend or your partner. It is a bit of an overreaction but it’s very easy to get used to being with people who you feel safe with. When I was a SAHM I barely left my borough and never by public transport; that felt really scary to start doing again, I felt vulnerable and exposed after the safety of my car and my family. Exposure is the only way through this, you do it and you’ll feel less scared next time.

No. If that was the case, I'd never go anywhere.

If you are that worried about being in the taxi on your own and it’s seriously going to ruin your enjoyment of the evening, just drive instead.

I’m quite an anxious person, I always phone dh when I’m getting in the taxi and tell dh the name of the taxi driver. Badge should always be visible. And tell him the kind of car I’m in.

our local taxi firm always text you the name, make and reg of car you’re looking for so it’s easy to pass the info on.

It’s not odd to feel like that. You’re essentially travelling in a car with (usually) a strange man and therefore putting a lot of trust in them to keep you safe.

To minimise the risk, use a reputable company and ensure you book. Keep your phone on. You will most likely be fine and you need to get out and live your life.

Yes.

It is odd and it's just because you've got out of the habit and you're overthinking it. It'll be a total non event and you'll look back and wonder why you wasted energy worrying about it. Do it so you don't go even longer without doing it and make it even more of a thing.

Does no one else have thoughts of them locking the doors and driving somewhere dodgy?
I’m actually a really independent person aside from this

@Unexpectedlysinglemum I’m not always with Dh, I just generally don’t go out at night without driving etc. I know exactly what dodgy men are like after years of it when younger 😩

Honestly? No.

1. @Motheranddaughtertotwo gives great advice about "getting back on the horse" and once you do it once, you will do it again with confidence. But, just get used to using UBER (or Bolt etc.) The beauty of Uber is the whole thing is completely tracked. You know exactly who is arriving to take you home (by both registration and their name) you know exactly where they are at every point, and when they will arrive, you know exactly what you will pay (and there is no cash changing hands if you have your credit card on there (advised) so you literally just get out, and can tip or not later if you wish, there is no awkwardness, and the best price at the time is guaranteed. If you are especially worried, you can send the details of your ride to your OH or others. You do this by doing the following steps.
2. Request your ride. Tap to open the app and request a ride as you normally would. ...
3. Share your status. Select up to 5 people from your contact list you want to share your status with.
4. Be on your way. Those people will receive a text with a link containing your trip details.

No. Maybe years ago but now I have a phone and you can turn on tracking if you're paranoid.

John Warboys the taxi rapist was able to rape women because we didn't have mobiles. Today women are much, much safer.

How is it odd when women have been raped in taxis including Ubers?

How is it odd when women have been raped in taxis including Ubers

Women have been raped all over the place. It doesn’t stop most of us from living our lives.

OP I’m the same as you. I’m a really independent women but I have fears about being left alone with men I don’t know because I have had bad experiences and many friends who’ve been raped or assaulted.
I agree with posters who say that it’s much safer now with mobile phones etc but it’s still completely normal and rational to be cautious about taking a taxi alone.

Yes. Buy

Oops sorry posted too early. For some reason lock down and the Sarah Everard case terrified me.

But you said to op it was an odd thing to be worried about and it wasn’t rational to worry about it either yet you admit women get raped all the time.

Just call one of your mates while in the taxi

She said women have been raped all over the place, not that women get raped all the time.

In any case, it doesn't negate the fact that with mobiles and modern tracking taxis are much safer than they used to be, and you're unlikely to be assaulted in one when you go home.

I would also prefer not to be the last is a taxi on my own but agree its safer now than ever before. You can drive but then have to get back to yout car alone , or you offer a iift to a friend. Or you arrange to get out of taxi and stay with a friend. Or you just get on with it because you want to have drink and not drive. Or don't go but that would be a shame and letting your fears limit your life. I am sure it'll be absolutely fine .