Who needs mirrors and breaks on a car?

Certainly not the cab drivers in the city of Toronto. Mirrors are just annoyances that get in the way of innocent cyclists and seeing the road.
In fact, I would equate riding in a taxi to a life threatening adrenaline rush such as skydiving or bungee jumping.
I definitely believe that the horn remains a useful tool for cabbies as they weave in and out of traffic @ 90 kilometres/hour on a busy two lane street. I mean it is essential to make sure your horn works when barreling through crosswalks and school zones. Or simply, when another car inconveniences you by staying in their own lane.
Last but certainly not least, who needs a signal? It's much easier if you scream out your window at other drivers in a language that is completely foreign to them. That is what I call conflict management.

If you can guess, I have recently been in a cab. Today in fact, I had the pleasure of risking my life going from Union station to my apartment. I am happy for two reasons:
a) I didn't have a coronary in the back seat and the passenger side was not crushed in a collision.
b) I had the pleasure of reading the taxicab passenger "Bill of Rights."

Did you know that taxi drivers are supposed to be licensed? News to me.
The passenger is also entitled to a safe ride. Where? To the hospital after your cabbie hits a lamp post head on?
I personally enjoy the rule that says that there is "no cell phone use (for the driver) unless it is an emergency. That's funny. What is that giant contraption strapped to my cab driver's head with the ring tune "Sexy Back" that goes off every 5 minutes. Each call is simply ear piercing as the driver scream talks to a family member.

Here is my absolute favourite...which happened today by the way...I had to use debit and the driver turned around and asked me, "how much tip are you giving me so I can include it." Last time I checked, that was a function that a passenger put in. I have never felt so awkward.

I am sure that we all have plenty of cab stories...sometimes I have been the asshole on the other end throwing up silently in the back seat out the window on the George Washington bridge in NYC. Needless to say I was kicked out.

However, my barf did not endanger the life of my cab driver...well maybe the smell.

Buckle up out there folks and when in need, remind your cabbie you participate in the "arrive alive" program.