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 think if you look at the statistics you’ll be shocked. There were over 100 sexual assaults by licensed taxi drivers in London alone and that was during lockdown 2020.
I think it’s perfectly reasonable for a women to choose not to travel in one alone, especially if she’s been drinking and it’s dark and quiet on the roads.

Yes I worry about it but I take the precautions already mentioned and do it anyway OP, fear will rule you if you let it

It's not a crazy thing to worry about. I've travelled all over the world on my own but am still often wary in taxis, it is a vulnerable situation to be in. However, its is also often necessary and sometimes just very convenient. I refuse to let my life become small because of fears that men don't have. The tips given here are good, particularly making a call (or even just pretending to) whilst on the way.

No I don't feel like this. If I did I'd never go anywhere. What do you think single women do?

• get an Uber. They are tracked
• if not book with an reputable company
• when last person gets out arrange to call your DH or a friend and chat for the rest of the journey.

I've never given getting in a taxi alone another thought.
If you're worried op, do what someone else suggested and do a short daytime trip first.
Pre book a taxi for your evening out and ask if possible to have a woman driver. If this isn't possible then when you're on the way home, phone your husband to tell him that you're on the way back, you will be back at X time, you're just passing the red dragon pub now, so shouldn't be long etc.
One tip I will give, when you open the rear taxi door, check the door edge for a small child lock lever, if there is one, push it upwards to disable the child lock as you get in.
I'm aware that some child locks are central controlled on some newer cars, they are on mine, but it's always worth checking.

I don't think it is weird to feel like this, I hate getting taxis, I feel better in Ubers, but then I have a history of being sexually assaulted, including in a taxi when a driver once opened the front door for me and I got in despite feeling uneasy as I would usually travel in the back (so there were warning signs, which I'd take notice of now, but I was quite young at the time and didn't want to appear rude). I got out without anything really terrible happening, but it was obviously frightening.

I don't want this to make you more nervous, it's definitely not usual, but I don't think it's abnormal be worried about being in a car with a strange man.

Sit in the back and go on your phone.

No I don't worry about this when using Uber or pre booked cabs. Its not that women haven't been assaulted by taxi drivers but that this is an extreme and unlikely scenario.

I would be cautious of being propersitioned, falling asleep in the car while drunk, making sure not to accept any food or drink from them and wary of any wandering hands while getting in and out. I've thankfully never had a bad experience yet but we do need to be aware as women sadly.

Just don't get so pissed you're out of it.

Kinneddar That's a very good idea. * *If she's that nervous, it would be a good idea to stay on the phone with DH until she reaches home.

I think if you’re tipsy or a bit drunk you won’t have to worry too much. The cases I’ve seen through my work of rape by taxi or Uber drivers has usually been where they’ve taken advantage of a heavily intoxicated woman. It sounds like I’m victim blaming but I’m not. It’s just reality. Just have your wits about you and you’ll be fine.

Should I carry a small hairspray or something else in my bag just in case?

Ask DP to track it on their phone. Take a photo of the driver/number plate if you can.

In our area we have taxis driven by women. I always use those at night.

No. Never worried about this.

No and I encounteted proper dodgy driver before.
99,99% of my rides were fine so 🤷

In case you need to do your hair? Sure?
In case you get attacked in a cab? Pointless you won't have time to fumble around for it in your bag especially if drunk.

No. I know this is a mumsnet cliche thing to say but that is an over average level of anxiety OP, as stranger attacks are very rare, so you might want to address that before it gets worse.

Uber tracks the drivers or a reputable local taxi firm.

No.

No.

Technically I could get kidnapped while walking outside, bunged up in a van and driven somewhere dodgy, but I don't think about it either.

I prebook taxis and use reputable companies, I have my phone with me, as long as the driver is not driving like a lunatic, I am good.

One of the taxi company I use always send a text " your driver is waiting for you, in xyz car with licence plate xyz".

It's for them as much as for us, save them from another taxi stealing their fare

You're much more likely to be assaulted or killed by your husband than your taxi driver

It’s not an odd fear. Where I live people I know have unpleasant stories about lone rides in taxis and until recently I had avoided them. But recently I had a week where I relied on them and it’s not how I remember it, they were just professional and did their job. I used a company that has its own app with car details, real time updates and maps etc so that was reassuring.
Follow usual safety, there will be updated guidance online, order the taxi yourself etc.
If you’re going out locally, have a practice run beforehand during daylight

Surprised at how many people saying this is a strange thing to worry about given the high profile cases in the past. The question isn’t whether it’s odd to be concerned about this, it’s whether you will let it stop you going out and having fun and what you can do to make sure you feel as safe as possible.

Yes. Very.