Usually, I would drive to an interview for a story. But on Thursday, I didn’t. I was unwell and I took a cab.
As I often do, I sat in the front passenger seat. As I was tired, I soon fell asleep.
When I woke, we were just outside my destination. Fairly normal.
However, this commute reminded me of when a friend who, on her way home, hopped into the backseat of the Uber instead.
Now, the context here is that:
- My use of cabs has declined significantly since I got my license last year.
- What felt so familiar and almost natural (a front seat nap) to me may not be the same for another passenger.
I had read Twitter threads earlier about how women feel safer with female drivers.
I wanted to explore why so. To find out, I did a poll on Instagram and Twitter, asking which seat would a female passenger take and why, later asking guys the same.
Most female respondents said they prefer the back seat (either right behind the driver or across).
When asked why, some said they felt safer right behind, and others cited being away, closer to the furthest door, felt more secure. Others said it didn’t matter.
However, that women often have to think before getting in a cab says something about safety, both actual and perceived.
That I and most guys don’t have the same consideration shows our privilege.