STUDENTS in York are being urged to think safe and smart when it comes to getting home.

A survey found 74 per cent of taxi drivers in York had picked up passengers, both male and female, who could not remember or communicate where they were going due to drinking too much alcohol, while half of drivers have had passengers pass out completely in the back seat.

Nearly 60 per cent of York drivers have had to deal with passengers vomiting in their cabs and 64 per cent have had to take passengers to hospital.

Insurance broken insureTAXI, which commissioned the research, is warning students to be extra careful as the university year begins.

Tim Crighton, marketing director of insureTAXI, said: “It’s an exciting time for thousands of students who are about to start university and move away from home for the first time. There will be lots of fun social events and activities going on to help people meet new friends and explore their new locations, and often these will involve alcohol.

York Press:

“We know that taxi drivers regularly have to deal with passengers who have drunk too much and while we don’t want to sound like a killjoy, it’s important for young people to be sensible and savvy when going on nights out, especially if they’re in an unfamiliar place.

“During Welcome Week, we’re urging students to familiarise themselves with where the approved taxi ranks are in the town and near their students union, as well as save the details of a couple of local taxi firms in their phone. Remember, you can only hail down public hire cabs, such as Hackney black cabs, and you must pre-book private hire cabs. Alternatively, if Uber operates in your area the app can be a good solution.

“It’s important to make a note of your new address and any road names or landmarks it’s near so you can give your driver the correct address. And wherever possible, always try to go home with friends and don’t leave anyone to go home on their own, particularly if they’ve had a drink or two.”