Whether you’re clinging to the back seat of a cab or narrowly avoiding being hit by one as a pedestrian, it’s a fact of life in New York City that some taxis have dangerous drivers. But not all cab drivers are reckless. In fact, Frederick Amoafo, a 46-year-old cabbie from Queens, was just awarded by the city for having zero violations on his record.
He’s not alone. The Taxi and Limousine Commission selected 295 drivers who “had not had a conviction for a traffic violation, an accident with injuries or a conviction for breaking one of the TLC’s rules of the road” for their honor roll. Of those drivers, Amoafo drove the most miles while remaining safe. “His 190,000-mile New York odyssey saw him safely serve 50,000 passengers over a distance equivalent to making 34 round-trips between Manhattan and Los Angeles,” the Post wrote.
Amoafo received a ticket several months ago for an illegal turn, but he says a double parked car made the turn necessary, and is disputing it with the city. The Ghanian immigrant bought his own medallion in 2007 for $450,000 by taking out a loan on his house, and reports that he often works six days a week, up to twelve hours a day.
As part of Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero plan to end traffic fatalities, he is issuing placards to drivers placed on the honor roll, in an effort to showcase workers who value safety. Amoafo believes he deserves his award, and recommends other drivers learn to practice his values:
“Relax,” he said. “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. You only get the money if you get the passengers there safely. Think of money last, safety first. If you feel really stressed out, take some time off. Park the car, walk for some time and come back again. It will refresh the mind.”
(Photo: Pete Bellis)
