Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Melanie K on July 20, 2011 at 5:28am

I don't know about how the drivers are regulated, but I think we all have experienced first hand how badly/maniacally many of the taxi drivers actually drive. As sad as this story is, it is also sadly not so surprising.

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Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on July 20, 2011 at 5:37am

We wrote a letter to the editor about this (copied/pasted below).

 

Ethan Spotts, Active Trans

 

Keeping roadways safe

• 2:00 p.m. CDT, June 30, 2011

Monday's traffic crash that killed one person (Tribune June 27: "Chicago cab hits building in Streeterville") and injured two was no "accident": Someone was at fault. And it's time we started taking responsibility as a society and as individuals for the roughly 33,000 people who die violently on our roadways each year. A 40-year-old man was killed while walking down the sidewalk -- a space we rightfully assume is safe for people on foot -- by a man who was driving too fast and not exercising due care. A woman passenger who was injured entrusted her safety to this same driver. Most traffic crashes, including Monday's tragic event, are the result of human error, thus preventable. But until we confront this as a collective issue, our streets will remain hostile, dangerous environments for everyone.

According to the Illinois Secretary of State, the driver had a license in "good standing"-- despite being issued nearly 30 traffic violations since 1988 with three convictions. A local businessperson was quoted by the Tribune as saying, "You see [cab drivers] cutting people off, fighting for fares from tourists, you hear the screeching tires...it's terrible and it happens all the time. I'm surprised I haven't seen more accidents in this area."

We agree. In what has become the accepted norm, today's typical roadway experience is characterized by people rushing, being inattentive and unsympathetic to the safety of others. We are increasingly distracted, irritated and discourteous. Everyone suffers when we allow our impatience to dominate our decision making, with people who walk and bike being particularly vulnerable.

Whether driving for a living or for personal reasons, we must do so not only within the law, but with special care and concern for others. Driving is a privilege, not a right, which comes with a real responsibility for the welfare of others. We urge people to slow down, keep both hands on the wheel or handlebars, be alert and communicate clearly with others on the road (and not with the Chicago salute). Give respect and priority to the people who need it most: people on foot or bike, older adults, children, people with disabilities. It really is about all of us. And when next behind the wheel of a car, ask yourself if it's worth a person's life to shave a few minutes off your trip. (Answer: it's not.)

-- Melody Geraci, Deputy Director, Active Transportation Alliance, Chicago

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Permalink Reply by Rich S on July 20, 2011 at 9:56am

Here's a link to a list of people whose Public Chauffeur Licenses' have either been revoked or denied.  

http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/bacp/publicvehi...

 

I also looked up the rules and regulations for Chauffeur Licenses.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/bacp/rulesandre...

 

I'm at work so I can't spend too much time digging into the details but pages 13-14 are interesting. Licenses are up for review on an annual basis.

 

Rule 3.04 states that the Commissioner MAY obtain a copy of the driving record ... not MUST. Only requirement there is that the driving license is in good standing.

 

Rule 3.05 states that at the discretion of the Commissioner, an applicant maybe denied renewal of the applicant's Chauffeur license if the applicant has within the twelve months preceding his renewal application date received three (3) or more complaints and / or citations of abusive behavior and / or unsafe driving which demonstrate the applicant's inability to comply with these Rules. The operative word here is discretion.  

 

It seems that it's really difficult to lose your Chauffeur License. My opinion is that the rules should be changed to require a driving record check. Also that 3 citations in 1 year trigger an automatic revocation of a Chauffeur License. 

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Permalink Reply by Ryan L on July 20, 2011 at 10:43am

Rule #1 for cab drivers should be GET OFF THE F-ING PHONE!!!!! I was almost hit by a cab two days ago while crossing a street that had a green walk symbol with 15 sec still on it. This cab flies around the corner blasting through the crosswalk while several people were walking. He had one hand on the steering wheel and the other clutching a phone to his right ear.

 

I'm not even going to explain how many times I've been in a cab, having to yell at the driver where to go because they are paying more attention to the phone than the road. Doesn't matter how long or short the trip, they are on the phone, the entire time. 

 

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Permalink Reply by Rich S on July 20, 2011 at 1:20pm

And most of those on the list are denied applications. Only a handful are revoked licenses. 

Cameron Puetz said:

That's a pretty sort list for over 5 years. Also the cabbie from the article isn't on it. For all we know he's back on the road.

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Permalink Reply by Sue Clark on July 20, 2011 at 3:59pm

Ryan L - do what I do...get out of the cab. If they won't get off the phone (or in my case, stop texting), I have them pull over as soon as possible and I get out. The story, at that point, is "oh, I was done." Yeah....tell that to your next fare....if you're paying attention.

 

You can also call 311 in Chicago to report cabs.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on July 20, 2011 at 4:21pm

I'm afraid of cabbies they rank #1 in the bad drivers of Chicago, but I do have a job so I can't stay home. Most streets in the city esp. the loop area are 25 mph max and this guy was hit walking on the sidewalk, not riding without lights, or the wrong way, or weaving in and out of traffic.

Serge Lubomudrov said:

I already can hear enraged libertarians: What? Even more regulations?! It's a dangerous world out there, if you are afraid of cabs, stay home! Personal responsibility, you know . . .

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Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on July 20, 2011 at 5:17pm

It didn't sound like your normal posting type but I couldn't see the eyes rolling or the smurk over the internet.

Serge Lubomudrov said:

Must I provide a link to a definition of sarcasm? Not to mention that I clearly ascribed those words to "libertarians." Oh, well . . .

Mike Zumwalt said:

I'm afraid of cabbies they rank #1 in the bad drivers of Chicago, but I do have a job so I can't stay home. Most streets in the city esp. the loop area are 25 mph max and this guy was hit walking on the sidewalk, not riding without lights, or the wrong way, or weaving in and out of traffic.

Serge Lubomudrov said:

I already can hear enraged libertarians: What? Even more regulations?! It's a dangerous world out there, if you are afraid of cabs, stay home! Personal responsibility, you know . . .

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Permalink Reply by Rowbike Mike on July 21, 2011 at 2:05am

 

Erect many straw men lately? 

Serge Lubomudrov said:

I already can hear enraged libertarians: What? Even more regulations?! It's a dangerous world out there, if you are afraid of cabs, stay home! Personal responsibility, you know . . .

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Permalink Reply by Liz on July 21, 2011 at 3:05am

Regardless of the amount of time spent on the road, that is not an acceptable amount of citations.

I should be able to get into a cab and expect that driver to behave in a reasonable manner (following the speed limit, paying attention to red lights, not using mobile phones and passing correctly), but instead 70% of the time I find myself chastizing a driving for behaving inappropriately.  If one chooses to drive a cab for a living than that person should take thier position as a proffessional driver seriously and respect driving laws. 

 

I would gladly pay more for the occasional cab ride if it meant that I was going to have a respectful and law abiding driver. 

Michael Brosilow said:

This is 30 tickets over a 22 year period. That averages to less than 1.5 tickets per year for someone who is probably driving a minimum 40 hours per week & it wouldn't surprise me if he was driving twice that.

This was an awful crash & he should never be allowed to drive again but chances are that his driving record isn't much worse than most cabbies.

 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by dan brown on July 21, 2011 at 3:53am

ryan. good one.

 

if i am ever in a cab when the driver is on the phone (with no headset in use) here is my

standard protocol

 

1) Call 311 and report him

2) tell him he is getting a ticket (a bluff)

3) tell him I am not paying him a cent (not a bluff)

4) tell him my brother in law can get him suspended (kind of a bluff - remember this is chicago)

5) tell him to never do it again.

6) and do not piss off cyclists

7) and I get a free ride to wherever I want.

 

it always works. I can fake a call to my 'brother in law' and say I am  photographing his license

and he can expect to be summoned to city hall. I literally had two driver in tears begging me

to not do it.

 

I calmly say - follow the law; you are the moron who chose to break it.

not me

Ryan L said:

Rule #1 for cab drivers should be GET OFF THE F-ING PHONE!!!!! I was almost hit by a cab two days ago while crossing a street that had a green walk symbol with 15 sec still on it. This cab flies around the corner blasting through the crosswalk while several people were walking. He had one hand on the steering wheel and the other clutching a phone to his right ear.

 

I'm not even going to explain how many times I've been in a cab, having to yell at the driver where to go because they are paying more attention to the phone than the road. Doesn't matter how long or short the trip, they are on the phone, the entire time. 

 

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Permalink Reply by Davo on July 21, 2011 at 5:26am

Right and then they turn around and say how bicyclists should have to regester their bikes and carry bicycle insurance.

Serge Lubomudrov said:

I already can hear enraged libertarians: What? Even more regulations?! It's a dangerous world out there, if you are afraid of cabs, stay home! Personal responsibility, you know . . .

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