An English cab driver failed a drunk driving test while on the clock in Surrey, England. While the cab driver’s identity hasn’t been confirmed, he was let go from his job after failing a roadside drinking test by police. On June 24, 2016, three women called a cab on their way to a birthday party. Once they were settled in the cab, they noticed the driver was erratic and had even driven up on the lawn to pick them up.
After smelling alcohol, they exited the cab and one of the women’s fathers came to help them. The father blocked the cab driver in so he couldn’t drive off and potentially get into an accident. They then phoned the police. Pacific Cabs, who employed the driver, says the driver was penalized for a three-month period and won’t be allowed to drive for them in the future. The driver was given a 90-day driving probation period and his cab was seized for a period of 30 days.
In the United States, most taxi cab drivers are unionized and have work permits that allow them to operate a cab. In fact, many can’t drive without having work permits that allow them to do just that. They are held to stricter standards because of what they do for a living. Driving under the influence and other infractions – whether substantiated or not – can cost them their work permit and ability to drive a taxi cab forever.
Whenever you get into a cab, Uber, or Lyft, it’s important to make sure you feel comfortable with the driver. Whether you suspect they have been drinking or something else is happening, if you don’t feel comfortable, get out of the ride. You are not obligated to take a ride if you get into a cab or other car service; worst case scenario is that they charge you and you dispute it later. After all, your safety is nothing to jeopardize, especially when getting into a car with a stranger.
