Chicago Cab Drivers Promote Safety Amid Rising Violence

Following the second tragic murder of a Chicago cab driver in a month, Cab Drivers United/AFSCME Council 31 hosted an informational safety training for area cab drivers to help them avoid attacks.

“While millions of Chicago residents and visitors rely on safe and professional taxi services that cab drivers like myself provide, too often we are targets for violent crime,” said Cheryl Miller, a veteran Chicago cab driver and Cab Drivers United/AFSCME Council 31 member.

“We’re attending this training to learn more about the protections and resources that are out there, but it shouldn’t fall all on our shoulders,” Miller added. “The City of Chicago needs to take proactive measures to address violence against cab drivers now.”

Cab Drivers United/AFSCME Council 31 has been advocating for improved safety measures to protect drivers in what the Occupational Health and Safety Administration deemed one of the 10 most dangerous professions.

Solutions proposed include a silent alarm linked to GPS that would inform the authorities that a driver is in trouble, broadcasting their location without alerting the passenger.

Drivers also learned from a workers’ compensation attorney about the protections and rights they have when they are the victim of a crime.  Current training provided for incoming drivers does not inform new drivers of these protections should they become a victim.