Taxi drivers and the risks of the job

Today, we thought we’d turn our attention for once to the working conditions of taxi drivers, and in particular, their salaries. It’s an interesting issue that many of us don’t know much about. Here on taxi-résa, we admit that we prefer hearing the exciting anecdotes that drivers have to offer! The daily life of a taxi driver can definitely be full of perks – but unfortunately, the profession isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. We’ve written this article to share with you some of the risks of the taxi driver profession in hope that you’ll find out more about this varied job.

Taxi drivers: recent reports of violence

You’ve probably heard a lot about the recent competitive crisis, pitting Uber drivers and other private hire vehicles against the more traditional taxi drivers . The rise of cheaper transportation means that there’s been a lot of tension between the three main competitors on the market. Although we’re not here to lecture our readers on the cause and effect of this competitive conflict, we thought it was worth mentioning as there has been an increase in risks to the taxi profession. Furthermore – as you may have seen on the news – there have been a number of attacks against taxi drivers themselves. Despite this increase in hostility, many big cities including Paris are doing everything they can to offer solutions to the current situation.

Taxi drivers: challenging working conditions

Night time is not a restful time for all! Many taxi drivers have a range of stories to share about their professional experiences, especially after dark. There are many incidents involving drunk – and sometimes violent – clients; statistics that show it is indeed a risky job especially after hours. In France, the main problem is that taxi drivers do not have the right to defend themselves, at risk of being sanctioned by their company. Sadly, litigation often turns in favour of the client rather than the taxi driver . If you want to find out more about this issue, check out our article on Night Fares.

Difficult working conditions for taxis

Of course, it’s clear that the taxi driver profession is not always a pleasant job. In many cases, low wages can have a negative effect on the taxi drivers, as well as long hours which put drivers’ health at risk. Many who work during the night have a higher risk of accident, and stress levels are usual high. As the drivers are constantly faced with a range of diverse – and not always friendly – clients, this can have a grave impact on mental health. Between long hours, unfriendly clients, unstable conditions and potential risks, the taxi driver profession is not one to be taken lightly.

Risks of being a taxi driver: our advice

We have seen many examples of the potential risks involved in this career path, notably weighing on drivers’ mental health. One last point to consider is the physical health of taxi drivers since recent studies have shown that because of cardiovascular issues caused by a constant sedentary position, the risk of heart attack amongst those in this profession is actually higher than elsewhere. So if you’re thinking of becoming a driver – don’t let this article put you off, but rather make you aware of the potential risks in order to take necessary measures and stay healthy and happy!

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