While every New Yorker has a story about being locked in combat with a crazy cab driver, wacky or downright dangerous cab drivers aren't exclusive to the Big Apple. Any city or town that has cab companies has at least one crazy cabbie. Read the following tips to learn how to deal with a crazy cab driver.
Stay calm and keep quiet. If the cab driver talks a load of gibberish, spouts political rhetoric or just keeps talking about some random subject, just stay silent or nod your head politely. A talkative, nonsensical cab driver can be irritating, but if you deal with it calmly til the ride ends, you'll get away from it intact and have a funny story to tell your friends later.
Change the subject and play along. If the crazy cabbie prods you to respond, be witty and play along with him or change the subject. Stay rational and friendly til the cab ride ends.
Open you cell phone. If the cab driver veers off course on purpose or becomes threatening, tell her you'll dial 911 unless she stops. If she's crazy to the point of scaring you, dial 911 and give the dispatcher her medallion number and name. Find this information on the window visor or dashboard.
Tell the cab driver you forgot your money and credit cards. He'll throw you out of the cab immediately. Just make sure you do this in a populated area, not on a deserted country road.
Make an excuse to get the cab driver to stop. It can be anything, like "Watch out for that dog darting in the road" or something similar. Once she stops, take a quick look around and when it's safe, jump out of the cab.
