Taxi Drivers Defended

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 182, 30 April 1936, Page 7

Taxi Drivers Defended

Sir, —Taxi drivers’ names have been prominent among those reported as being fined for speeding recently. It m noticeable also that the fines have been consistently much heavier than those imposed upon private motorists. The taxi driver has both reasons and excuses for his speed, which, by the wnj, is seldom reckless. llis reasons are that his living is hard come by and the hours during which his services are in demand are limited, also he is frequently asked to “step on it” and it is difficult to disregard the wishes of customers upon whom one depends for a living. His excuses are that he is usually an excellent driver, that he knows his town thoroughly and can anticipate,every hidden danger, his car is usually mechanically sound, he seldom wants the road to himself, as the slow-coach generally does, and he invariably treats other road-user s with courtesy aiid discretion. Experience has taiight him that lack of courtesy is a major cause of accidents. It is obvious that the taxi driver covers a many times greater mileage than the average motorist. Does he have more accidents per mile? I am only guessing when I say he does not. but it is a question insurance authorities could answer and it would be in the interests ot justice if they did so. This greater mileage combined with the conspicuous colouring of his car brings him prominently before the public and the police and traffic departments. with uncomfortable results for the driver. Taking these matters into consideration one would expect to find the judicial authorities tending to greater leniency, but, in fact, there is harsher treat-ment.—-I am, etc., T. O. MADDISON. Wellington, April 26.