The D.C. Taxicab Commission will install panic buttons in all D.C. cabs by December 2012 in response to a recent string of attacks against taxi passengers.
Seven attacks of passengers have occurred since the beginning of March, according to an article by Roz Plater on ABC 7’s website. Six of the victims have been women.
In all cases, the passengers were violently attacked by their drivers, D.C. Taxicab Commission Chairman Ron Linton said in an interview with ABC 7.
AU’s Department of Public Safety is fully supportive of this initiative because it will increase the safety of AU students when traveling around D.C.
“Any safety measure that is implemented in and around the city is a great idea,” said Logistics and Compliance Coordinator Adam Cooper.
He said panic buttons would give students traveling by taxi an extra layer of safety.
Cooper also suggested that students look at the Metropolitan Police Department and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s websites to find tips on how to stay safe when using other means of public transportation.
Many AU students had not heard about this change, but reacted positively once they heard about it.
“I never knew that was an issue so I find it a bit extreme. But if it’s not too costly I guess it’s good,” said Kyle Enochs, a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs.
Kaitlyn Hoey, a sophomore in the School of International Service, agreed.
“Sure, I guess the button is fine,” she said.
