Wednesday, September 29, 1999
Cabbies try to dodge danger
Fatal shooting puts drivers on alert
BY TANYA ALBERT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
'You're always concerned about your safety,' says cabbie James Hamilton.
(Michael E. Keating photo)
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Monday's killing of a cabby in Winton Hills has left Cincinnati cab drivers talking about safety, instincts and even barriers between the front and back seats.
The job puts drivers on constant lookout. Drivers are robbed at gunpoint or knifepoint. Passengers run off without paying the fares. Drivers say they have to develop a sixth sense about the person hailing their cab.
Some drivers say they don't even risk working at night. Others stay in well-lit areas and never keep much money on them. All say they are constantly on guard.
And, even though Cincinnati law says they can't refuse any fares, several drivers said they sometimes pass by someone waving a hand. If you need a cab and aren't near a cab stand, drivers say, get to a phone and call for one.
“You're always concerned about your safety,” said 25-year veteran James Hamilton, who no longer drives at night. “You have to look out for yourself. ... You have to use your instincts.”
Last time cabby killed
It's been nine years and one month since a Greater Cincinnati cab driver was shot and killed while on duty, according to Enquirer files.
In August 1990, Wayman Hamilton picked up a fare in Mount Healthy. He was found in the front seat of his cab, shot in the forehead, in Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton, who worked for Clifton Cab Co., died nine hours after the attack.
Nationwide in 1997, 74 cab drivers died after being assaulted on the job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Constant threat
Robberies and close calls in Greater Cincinnati are a constant threat. According to Enquirer files:
• In January 1992, a bullet nicked a cab driver in the back of the head after he picked up two men at Christ Hospital and drove them to College Hill. The driver survived.
• In May 1987, two men got in the back seat of a cab, robbed the driver of $100 and told him to drive until they said stop. About 41 hours later, the two men climbed out at Tampa International Airport.
• In July 1986, a taxicab driver was forced at gunpoint to drive from downtown to Richwood.
• In March 1984, a man was going from cab to cab during a two-week period robbing, pistol-whipping and shooting at drivers.
Veteran cab driver Bobby Roddey said Monday's killing means it's time for a barrier between the seats to separate drivers from passengers.
“So there's not direct access to the driver,” said Mr. Roddey, who has been driving cabs more than 30 years.
Drivers say they are suspicious of passengers who ask if
it has been a busy night. Many drivers drop off money as they earn it through the night.
“They've never gotten more than $30 from me,” said Charlie Parker.
He's been robbed about six times in the 24 years he's driven a cab.
“I never carry more than that. And I figure for $30 it's not worth ... getting killed.”
James D. Moore, who has been driving his own taxi for four years, asks passengers to sit in the front seat during the predawn hours. He starts his day at 4 a.m.
“And you get concerned if they ask about money,” he said. “I tell them I haven't got no money.”
Mr. Roddey, who drives day and night hours, relies on common sense.
“I try to stay in bright lights,” he said. “I don't go into dark alleyways. I like to stay where there is a crowd.”
But instincts often come only with experience.
Cab drivers say they often sense when someone is not really looking for a ride.
“You just get a feeling for these things,” Mr. Parker said, as he spotted a businessman clad in a suit, dragging his luggage and looking for a cab downtown.
“I won't drive after 7 p.m.,” said Alazar Berhe, who has been driving taxis for two years without an incident. “There's too many problems.”
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