I have a “rape whistle”. It’s attached to my key chain. You may think I’m paranoid, but I’m not. Women get raped and sometimes, one of the best ways we can protect ourselves is by making a lot of noise. I recommend that every women get one. It’s one weapon that you can carry around that can never be used against you to your disadvantage, unlike things like mace or a little knife, things that can easily be wrestled out of your little hands and used against you.
So where does a taxi app come to play? Well there’s been a lot of talk about them. Which is the best, which is a rip off, etc. I had an experience on Tuesday night that really made me think about how a taxi app is more than just a convenient way to get around. It can also be a quick way to get out of a shitty, unsafe situation.
Now, I am admittedly directionally challenged. I had a board meeting on Tuesday evening which started at 7 in an area that is pretty unknown to me. I looked up the directions on Google Map and of course, I ended up on the wrong bus. By the time I realized the bus I was on was going in the wrong direction, I was already running really late for my important meeting. Without thinking, I pulled the stop request wire and hopped off in a bit of a panic.
I found myself on a long stretch of road on a very dark and cold night and realized, immediately that I was in fact, an idiot. Not only was I going to be late for the meeting, but I had no freaking clue where I was. I also wanted to get off the side of this dark, vacant road as soon as possible, because it was scary. My goal was to get out of there and fast. I knew if I called a cab, I’d be waiting about fifteen minutes or so. I would also be unable to tell them my exact location because I didn’t really know where I was.
Then I remembered the Hailo taxi application on my iPhone. I pulled out my phone and requested a cab on the spot.
Not only was I immediately assured that my cab driver would be there to pick me up in FOUR MINUTES, I also had his phone number and name. I gave Saad a quick call to let him know the situation and to look for a silly girl in a big coat on the side of the road.
I was safe in a cab in under 5 minutes, had spoken to a human voice to indicate my situation, someone knew where I was and someone was coming for me. These were all reassuring thoughts to a girl standing on a dark, empty cold street.
You may think I am being dramatic. But, as a girl, if you have ever found yourself in that situation, you would know that your first thought is, ohhhhh fuuuuuck.
So, Hailo, this one’s for you. At that moment, I didn’t need a luxury town car. I needed a quick taxi to come get me where ever I was as quickly as possible.
And I made it to my meeting in time.
Editor’s Note: This post was not sponsored by Hailo.
