[Lord Octagon]

Reading this manual should help you understand the principles taxiing and how to be a safer and more competent driver on Rockford's roads. Once qualified you have a responsibility as a professional driver to act as a role model for other drivers and to ensure that all your passengers travel in comfort and arrive at their destination safely and on time.

Assuming you've got all your paperwork in order, let's dive (or rather, drive) right into it.

If you act in haste, you risk endangering not only your passengers but also other drivers. If a taxi is involved in a collision, there is a high probability that it will be carrying passengers, therefore there is an increased potential for more people to be injured. As a professional driver you have a moral responsibility to play your part in ensuring road traffic incidents do not happen. Human error is the main cause of collisions, so plenty of driving experience should help you reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.

As you should be aware, operating a hand-held device whilst driving is illegal - you should never use hand-held devices, including mobile phones, whilst operating a moving vehicle. If you need to use such equipment, be sure to pull into a safe spot. This means using texted-based functions such as /pm or /pradio

Using hands-free devices is permitted, however, this still could distract your attention from the road. Your safest bet would be to avoid using any such equipment whilst driving. Voice radio would be an example of a hands-free device.

Professionalism is key when it comes to chauffeuring, if a passenger sees you using a mobile phone whilst driving it could damage their impression of the company you are driving on behalf of. Not only that, but it could make your passengers feel uncomfortable and unsafe, they'd be unlikely to ride with you again.

In general, any activity that reduced your concentration whilst at the wheel is dangerous. Only reply to messages at safe and sensible places during your shift. Be safe. Be sensible.

Your vehicle might be the best. Your vehicle might be the fastest. Your vehicle might be the most expensive. Your vehicle might be the most efficient. But at the end of the day it is you, the driver, who determines whether it is a safe means of transport.

Having the correct attitude is immensely important, and it can take some practice to get use to it. Remember that you're a professional driver and that your attitude should set an example for all road users. You can make your shift all the more enjoyable by simply having the right frame of mind. You may only get a smile or a 'thank you', but the greatest reward from is is that you know you've done your part to make the roads of Rockford that much safer.

The qualities that make someone a good driver include: 
• responsibility
• concentration
• anticipation
• patience
• confidence

You're a professional driver who's on the road for extended periods of time, therefore you attract the public's attention for longer. You become the emissary of all chauffeurs when you drive - your actions could affect people's opinion of not only you but of the entire industry. Therefore it is important that you maintain the following skills:

• Courtesy
• Patience
• Tolerance
• Understanding
• Consideration

There is no such thing a perfect driver, even the best of us make mistakes. How you react to these mistakes is very important - you need to pay attention to the safety and well being of your passengers. No matter what happens on the road, be tolerant, remain calm and avoid reacting in a negative way - take the experience as a learning opportunity. Resist any urge to get upset and angry - do not react merely to 'teach someone a lesson'.

When you're angry and frustrated, your concentration, observation and anticipation skills are reduced greatly due to your attention being elsewhere. This will increase your chance of being involved in a traffic accident. Do not take the risk, simply pullover and take a short break to cool off.

Always drive: 
• courteously
• with anticipation
• calmly
• in full control of your vehicle

Not only could aggression result in a loss of vehicle control, but it can damage your professional standing and the image of the company.

• Take some time to learn the map of Rockford, you should be aware of major buildings and locations.
• Always be on time to pick up and drop off passengers.
• You should drive safely and defensively, only under rare circumstances will you need to make emergency or security evasion manoeuvres. 
• Drama should be reserved for the passenger's movie appointment, it should not show it’s face in the car.
• Be discrete, polite, well mannered and be able to demonstrate good etiquette and patience.
• Pay attention to your PMs and requests sent through /taxi - people are willing to pay a good price for a service which is on time.

[Vadar]

Nice Article Octagon once again