Why You Should Always Open Your Car Door with Your Right Hand
April 13, 2024
source: Pexels
Traffic is quite serious these days, isn’t it? Most of the time, I try to take public transport or walk rather than use my car because it gets pretty stressful driving on those jam-packed streets. So many accidents happen daily, and who wants that? Even if you drive safely (which you absolutely must), there’s always some careless drivers out there who sometimes just don’t care!!! And this is unacceptable. So, any tips that make our roads safer, I’m all in for it. Have you heard of “dooring”? Most people have no idea, but car doors are such a threat to bikers that there’s even a term to describe them being struck: dooring.
Dooring happens when a car’s door is unexpectedly opened in front of a bicyclist, leading to a collision. This can result in serious injuries for the cyclist, who might be flung onto the road, potentially into more dangerous traffic. It’s an issue that I became acutely aware of a few years ago after witnessing a near miss involving a friend of mine. We had just parked downtown, and he flung his door open without looking, narrowly missing a cyclist who luckily managed to swerve and avoid a crash. The look of sheer panic and relief on both their faces stuck with me, highlighting how such a small oversight could lead to significant consequences.
Statistically, many cyclists have been victims of dooring. It’s a common enough problem that it’s spurred cities worldwide to increase awareness and education around this issue. For instance, in some places, you’ll find painted bike lanes with additional signs warning drivers to check for cyclists before opening their doors. It’s part of growing efforts to improve road safety and awareness amongst drivers and passengers.
One particularly effective technique that enhances safety is known as the “Dutch Reach.” This method came to us from the Netherlands, a country known for its bike-friendly infrastructure and road-sharing etiquette. The Dutch Reach is simple yet effective. If you are sitting on the driver’s side of a parked car and you want to get out, don’t just open the door with your left hand—even though it’s closest. Instead, open the door with your right hand.
Now, why does this simple switch make a difference? When you use your right hand, this action forces you to turn your body towards the door, naturally causing you to look over your shoulder. This pivot gives you a clear view of your rear-view mirror and then the street behind you. Such a movement significantly increases your chance of spotting a cyclist or even another car coming up alongside you.
This method works similarly when applied from the passenger’s side—using the farthest hand from the door encourages a similar, safety-enhancing body twist. And yes, from personal experience and many accounts I’ve read, it really does work.
After that incident with my friend, I started practicing the Dutch Reach. It felt awkward at first, almost like writing with my non-dominant hand. But soon, it became second nature. I also began sharing this tip with friends and family. My little circle of people might only be a drop in the ocean, but when it comes to road safety, every little action counts.
What else can we do to ensure the safety of cyclists and all road users? Awareness and education are key. It’s important for drivers and passengers alike to be more mindful of their actions. Local governments can help by investing in better road designs that accommodate all users safely, including protected bike lanes and clearer signage. Schools and community centers can host workshops or training sessions about road safety, emphasizing mutual respect and understanding among all road users.
Ultimately, road safety is about coexistence and respect—knowing that the streets belong to everyone, whether they’re on four wheels, two wheels, or no wheels at all. Adopting practices like the Dutch Reach is just one of the many steps we can take to foster a safer environment. So next time you’re about to step out of your car, remember: right hand, turn, look. It’s a small move for a driver, but a potentially life-saving shift for a cyclist.
