There is a range of preventive strategies that can reduce the risk of assaults on taxi drivers, including technological interventions, training, and policy changes. A combination of technical interventions, including protective screens, Global Positioning Systems, cameras, cashless payment systems, two-way radios, alarms, flashing emergency lights, and policy initiatives is most likely to reduce the risks.
As Trends and Issues paper number 178 showed, the patterns of assaults and risk factors are predictable. Injuries are typically bruises and lacerations to the head and upper body, and occasional fractures. These assaults usually come from passengers in the rear seat of taxi sedans.
This project was funded by the Crime Prevention Branch of the Criminal Justice Division, Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department.
References
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