New York taxi drivers: Identification of risk factors for workplace violence using Community Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR)

Objectives: The New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA) represents 40,000 taxi drivers responsible for transporting passengers in the largest city of the United States. Driving a taxi is one of the most dangerous professions for both worker injuries and fatalities from acts of violence. Under the auspices of the NYTWA, this research identifies risk factors for violence against this working population and examines current citywide policies for violence prevention. Methods: Risk factors were identified through a self-reported questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Violence indicators were analyzed against self-perceived safety and stress, vehicle design, job characteristics and demographic data. The interviewer-administered survey was developed utilizing input from NYTWA drivers, field experts and previous NYTWA collaborators. Surveys were conducted on a convenience sample of drivers approached at airport waiting lots, shift changes at gas stations and the NYTWA office. Results: 206 drivers were interviewed over a 9-day period. Drivers' mean age is 43 years; they represent fifty countries of origin and 66% hold at least a college education. On average, workers drive 67 hours per week for 8 years. Violence data indicated 31.5% of drivers have been robbed, 40.5% assaulted, 87.2% yelled at, 60.1% called racial slurs and 95% lost fares because passengers left the vehicle without paying. Conclusions: Taxi driving remains a profession at great risk of workplace violence with little recognition by the public. Citywide policies must better reflect driver safety.