Sri Lanka Police have urged passengers using taxi services to follow safety precautions, including verifying vehicle and driver details and sharing their live location with a trusted person, amid reports of alleged crimes involving taxi drivers or individuals assisting passengers through taxi services.
Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler advised passengers to ensure that the vehicle is properly registered before starting their journey and to check its registration number, model and driver’s name.
Passengers travelling at night have also been urged to remain particularly vigilant if a driver attempts to take them along unfamiliar, deserted or unexpected routes.
Police further advised passengers to share their live location with a family member, friend or another trusted person through a mobile phone or Google Maps until they reach their destination.
Passengers have also been warned against accepting food, drinks or water from unknown individuals during journeys, following reports of passengers fainting after consuming such items.
Police advised passengers to avoid openly displaying valuables such as money, laptops, mobile phones and jewellery while travelling in taxis.
Anyone who encounters a suspicious or threatening situation is urged to immediately contact the 1119 Police Emergency Call Service or the 118 Emergency Information Service and provide details of the vehicle and the incident.
Police also reminded taxi drivers that the same safety guidelines apply to them and urged drivers to behave appropriately while transporting passengers.
