Taxi drivers across the country observed a moment of silence in memory of the victim of the taxi murder in Asikkala - driver: “We are alone in the middle of the night”

The taxi murder in Asikkala has touched taxi drivers across the country. The death reminds drivers of the risks of the job. There have been 53 taxi fatalities in Finland over the years.

Taxi driver Pentti Mattila observes a moment of silence in memory of a colleague who has passed away. — Pentti Mattila came to Lahti Market to take part in a moment of silence.

The taxi death in Asikkala was a reminder of the dangers of taxi drivers’ work. You never know what kind of passenger you will pick up next.

Taxi drivers observed a moment of silence in memory of a driver killed in Asikkala at 12 noon on Friday.

Hannele Kivistö, chairman of the Lahti Taxi Drivers Association, at Lahti's market square. — Hannele Kivistö, President of the Lahti Taxi Drivers Association, considers the number of taxi killings in Finland to be surprisingly high.

There have been 53 taxi fatalities in Finland over the years.

– The number is surprisingly large. Our work still has the same risks. We are alone in the middle of the night, says Kivistö.

The taxi death is sad news for the whole industry

– This always affects the entire industry and especially here in Päijät-Häme. Many colleagues knew the victim, with whom they had talked and exchanged information, says Mattila.

According to Traficom, there were slightly more than 12,000 valid taxi licenses at the end of 2018. According to Mattila, the number of taxi deaths should be compared with industry statistics.

– These drivers have millions of customer contacts every year, which means fortunately, statistically, we are talking about small numbers.

An aniline red, large flower floats in the water inside a large greenish glass jar. Long blades of grass grow around the jar and the ground is grassy. — A memorial flower was brought to the Asikkala killing site in August.

Safety has improved

The safety of taxi drivers has improved thanks to modern technology.

– Modern technology has brought new safety equipment, but working conditions and risks are unchanged, reminds Hannele Kivistö.

Issues are also brought up in training.

– The training also includes preparation for such situations. The training is constantly being developed and I believe that it provides good preparation for facing dangerous situations. There is no reason to give space to fear, says Kivistö.