Driving a taxi can be a dangerous job. The most serious workplace

violence issues facing taxi drivers are homicide and physical assaults, 

which are often related to a robbery.1 Violence is often a leading 

cause of taxi driver deaths, along with motor vehicle crashes.1

Workplace violence can result in injuries and deaths and includes 

both physical assaults and verbal abuse like yelling or namecalling. This fact sheet recommends strategies for taxi drivers to 

prevent or reduce the likelihood of violence during a shift. You 

can reduce the risk – here’s how.

How to Prevent Robbery and Violence

DEALING WITH CASH

Less cash in your taxi makes you a less likely target for robbery.

VISIBILITY

Greater visibility into your taxi can help reduce violence.

• Minimize cash on hand by making deposits during your shift.

• Where feasible, use cashless systems to limit the amount of 

cash on hand.

• Post decals stating drivers have limited cash on hand on the 

passenger doors or windows.

OPERATING THE TAXI

Ask your cab company to equip your taxi with safety measures.

• Install and maintain security cameras and post decals showing 

the taxi has cameras on the passenger doors or windows.

• Install and maintain a silent alarm.

• Install and use bullet-resistant barriers.

• Use personal and vehicle tracking devices, such as global 

positioning systems (GPS), so you can be located if you need help. 

• Turn on the inside dome light during pickups and drop-offs.

• Check in regularly with a dispatcher or another driver.

• Use and practice an emergency communication system with a 

dispatcher or another driver.

• Keep the taxi in well-lit, highly visible areas when not moving.

• Do not tint windows so dark that people cannot see inside the taxi.

• Keep windows clean and free from unneeded signs or postings. 

Photo by volare2004/Thinkstock Images

1

Chaumont Menendez C, Socias-Morales C, Daus MW [2017]. Work-related violent 

deaths in the US Taxi and Limousine Industry 2003 to 2013. J Occup Environ Med 

59(8):768–774. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000001071.
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SUGGESTED CITATION

NIOSH/OSHA [2019]. NIOSH fast facts: taxi drivers—how to prevent robbery and violence. By 

Chaumont Menendez C, Dalsey E. Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 2020-100, https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2020100revised112019. 

Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, DOL 

(OSHA) Publication No. 3976, https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3976.pdf.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2020100revised112019

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2020-100 (revised 11/2019)

DOL (OSHA) Publication No. 3976

November 2019

• Do not chase after fare evaders.

• Ask your cab company to provide safety training on how to 

recognize, avoid, or calm potentially violent situations.

• Do not resist a robbery. Let robbers take your money.

• Do not accept passengers who cannot provide a destination. 

• Notify a dispatcher or another driver immediately when 

picking up a passenger.

• Notify a dispatcher or another driver immediately if passengers 

change destinations once they are in the taxi.

• Notify a dispatcher or another driver if driving to certain areas 

feels potentially unsafe.

DEALING WITH CUSTOMERS

Prepare for possible unsafe situations with customers.

Photo by Aidon/Getty Images