For those of us that live in the city, taxis are a vital mode of transportation.

But, when you know nothing about the driver, it can sometimes be an unsettling experience.

Just last week, Gardaí seized a Dublin taxi for forensic examination after a woman claimed that she was raped by the driver.

The woman, who is in her 20s, told Gardaí that the incident happened while she was travelling home from Copper Face Jack’s nightclub.

According to the woman, the driver took a detour to the Phoenix Park where he stopped the car and raped her.

It is understood that he sexually assaulted her near the park’s Wellington Monument sometime after 1.30am.

The woman was later dropped off outside the gates of DCU where she raised the alarm to Gardaí.

Upon being questioned by the Gardaí, the driver, who is in his 40s, denied the allegation, stating that the sex had been consensual.

He said that he had put his phone number into the woman’s phone with the intention of meeting up with her again.

However, detectives believe that the woman may have been too intoxicated to give consent.

Medical professionals have since examined the woman, but no arrests have yet been made.

In light of this incident, Claire Mc Quaid took to the streets of Dublin to find out whether or not people feel safe in taxis.

Video Credits

Reporter: Claire McQuaid

Camera: Anne Stewart 

Production: Jonathan Crean