From the Chicago Dispatcher, January 2009
How to Make More Money by Driving Safely (originally printed Dec. 2005)
By: Dan Van Hecke, Master Chauffeur
Of course, you can't control traffic, but since you are part of it already, there is much you can do to control your traffic situation. Many of the following tips will help you make more money by reducing stress, raising legitimate fares and increasing your chances of receiving better tips. You do not have to drive “cut throat” to get a fare or put up with customers demanding you or threatening you to break the law while putting both of you in danger.
As you slowly become aware of the proper way to use traffic flow, you will get more customers - since you won't have to “follow the herd” of other cabbies.
Each driver reading this has within them the ability to develop their own style that works for them.
1. First - immediately after the customer gives you a destination, you tell them clearly that you are going to get them there “quickly, cheaply and safely.” Use these or your own versions of these three words, but they are absolutely essential. You have now established your authority, with their permission, after you have repeated their destination to them.
2. After that, suggest what you think is the most direct route and ask, “Is that OK?” Remember, they are “the boss” and you may think they are crazy; however, if they want to spend more money with you, let them. Besides, you might actually pick up a few shortcuts now and then. Items one and two take only about 15 seconds.
3. Now, for the basics:
A. Stoplights are your friends, not your enemies because:
(1.) If you don't have a customer, in the downtown area, it gives you a 30-to-60-second cabstand (curb lane).
(2.) If you have a customer and stop safely on a yellow light, the meter waiting time click in traffic is 45 seconds. That light can be worth from 13 cents to 28 cents. Standard red light timing is 30 seconds, with Michigan Avenue at 60 seconds and Lake Shore Drive at around 90 seconds. No, you should not try to catch every red light to “chum the meter,” but, use your timing to give a smooth ride and don't get upset if you catch one or two more than expected.
(3.) Don't assume that if you have a green light, others will stop. On January 1, 2005, the accident at Wellington and Ashland, the cabdriver was legitimate going eastbound through a green light when he and his passenger were stuck and killed by a car doing about 80 mph. Even though the cabdriver had the “right of way,” he could not see around Dunkin' Donuts at that corner to take any evasive action. A driver who is distracted, drunk or irresponsible is not going to obey the laws or recognize your vehicle properly. Watch any other movement before and during the intersection.
B. Lane changes - communicate and flow:
(1.) Let people know with your turn signals.
(2.) Don't get greedy or dumb or cut over suddenly. No customer is worth it.
(3.) In tight traffic, watch the cars around you, as their front wheels give you a second or two warning if they are going to stop, turn or accelerate.
(4.) Keep all of your windows clean to lessen your blind spots.
(5.) Adjust your mirrors (clean them too) to minimize your personal blind spots.
(6.) Adjust your speed and position to not be in others' blind spots (rear window position) or have them be in yours.
C. Speeding - almost always a waste of time. You are only going to catch up to the next bunch of traffic, which will block you further. Normally on most expressways and Lake Shore Drive, traffic (except for rush hours) will travel in bunches with one to three blocks separating them. Driving in this “rocking chair” or spaces in between keeps you safe, smooth and gets you there about the same time.
D. Following too close - leave about half of a car length in tight traffic to maneuver around obstructions such as an out-of-town driver suddenly stopping at a store; or a stall; or someone suddenly slowing down for a turn. Adjust this space for speed and traffic conditions.
E. Stop signs - yes, you should come to a complete stop and no, it won't kill you to do it. The right technique is to “stop twice.” First, slow down about 50 feet away to about five mph. Then anyone who wants to get around you can do so and you will have better control and focus when you come to a complete stop at the line before the crosswalk. This also helps “wake up the driver” behind you who may be tailgating.
F. Picking up or dropping off customers on the street - similar to the afore-mentioned point. However, about 100 feet away as you are slowing down, reach through the steering wheel and put on your hazard/emergency four-way blinkers. Just remember to turn them off afterward.
Finally, the above practical suggestions actually take longer to read than to do, so don't be discouraged or locked into a set of habits that don't work or would put you at risk. Being detached but not indifferent allows you to avoid tickets, time off, fines and penalties. You should take pride in driving a cab. Having it always be a positive experience with and for your customers, no matter what the situation, helps attain that.
