No one boards a commercial vehicle with the purpose of getting hurt; instead, the only goal is to arrive at your destination ahead of time.
The issue of passengers losing their belongings while riding in commercial vehicles – a criminal activity in Nigeria popularly known as ‘one chance’ – has highlighted the need for people to be knowledgeable on safety tips.
Here are some useful tips to bear in mind while boarding commercial taxis or buses.
1. Do a discreet check
Do a stealthy check before getting into a vehicle. Observe the passengers in the car already, their body language, the number of persons, and their sitting positions.
2. Alight immediately you suspect unusual activity
After boarding a taxi and you notice unusual action by other passengers in the vehicle, the next thing to do is to ask the driver that you want to alight even when you have not necessarily reached your destination.
3. Be conscious of your movement time
Ensure you are conscious of the time and hour of your movement. When it is getting late, make sure you do not stand on lonely points to board a taxi. When possible, try to stand in areas where there are other people.
4. Avoid entering when someone alights for you to enter
It is important that you avoid a taxi when someone comes down and asks you to enter and be in the middle. That is a red flag.
5. Confirm driver’s destination
When you pull over a taxi, always ask the driver his intended destination. Many commuters make the error of assuming that the taxi driver is headed in their way as soon as they stop the vehicle. However, if you find out after asking the driver his destination that he is not using your route, let him go.
6. Follow your instinct
The ‘sixth sense’ or ‘inner voice’ is a phenomenon that constantly warns you of dangers around. Do not dismiss your unease when it pertains to a particular vehicle. Do not enter the car. You may not be aware of it, but this is your ‘sixth sense’ at work.
7. Avoid pressing your phone
Many people get lost on their phones when they get into public vehicles. This is a complete no-no, as this would make you lose concentration and lose track of what is going on around you which makes you a very easy prey.
8. Get company in dark areas
If your area is poorly lit, always in darkness, or usually lonely, it is better to move in twos. Ask a neighbour or vigilante to walk with you. You can also get a particular tricycle driver or motorcycle (okada) rider to take you to the nearest bus stop, or if you are not too late, wait till the next morning so you can recognise faces or take in more details.
9. Do not accept free rides
In this period of high insecurity, this is not the time to be accepting free rides from strangers. If a driver offers you a lift and you do not know them, please do not enter!
Many victims of ‘one chance’ criminals have been unlucky to end up being used for rituals. On the other hand, as a survivor, it will affect you psychologically and you are likely to develop a fear of patronising public transportation.
Hence, it is better to be safe than sorry. Security consciousness is very paramount while boarding taxis.
Photo source: Minette Lontsie
