If you are a taxi driver then it is likely you may be shortly due to start your busiest time of the year over Christmas and the New Year. There will no doubt be lots of potential work available picking up customers who have attended a staff Christmas party or perhaps taking a family to a restaurant to bring in the New Year. So, what things should you be looking out for over the festive period?

Well, you will wish to make sure that your taxi’s service history is up to date as you will not want to break down at this time of year as you could loose out on a lot of business thus reducing your family income at a time when many people spend a lot more than normal on such things as presents and going out. Are your tyres all well above the legal limit and are your brakes fit for purpose? Are the lights in good working order as you may well be doing a lot of driving in the dark?

Bear in mind, if you are driving in wintry conditions such as snow, ice and rain, to drive carefully ensuring that you keep your distance at all times and drive at a safe speed and within the legal limit. If you were to be involved in a road traffic accident this could also keep you off the road for quite some time thus impacting your income.

Make sure that you fill up your fuel tank on a regular basis as who knows if you may end up with a long distance job involving travelling several hundreds of miles perhaps taking a family in say Birmingham to visit family in say Edinburgh to bring in the New Year.

Do ensure that your taxi is kept clean both inside and outside. Passengers really do not like to be transported around in a taxi with empty beer cans and sweet wrappers strewn over the back seat. Having a clan taxi and providing an outstanding customer service is more likely to lead to you receiving a large tip.

Don’t forget to take regular breaks and do not drive when you are tired. Ensure that you eat and drink well.

When driving around, especially in busy city centres, watch out for pedestrians who may have been out partying and are, shall we say, a little worse for drink as you would not want them to suddenly step out into the road in front of your taxi and you collide with them.

Do try to take some time off over the Christmas and New Year period to enjoy with your family rather than spend an awful lot of time driving around in your taxi.