I used to think opening a car door was the easiest part of driving—until a near-disaster changed my perspective forever.
One careless swing of the door, one moment of distraction, and a cyclist nearly crashed right into it. That close call pushed me to dig deeper—and what I discovered was a simple, little-known technique that’s saving lives worldwide. Once you learn it, you’ll never open your car door the same way again.
With busy roads packed with cars, bikes, and pedestrians, accidents happen. But many are preventable. One silent danger lurks every time someone steps out of a vehicle: “dooring”—when a car door suddenly opens into the path of a cyclist.
Though it might seem trivial, dooring can lead to serious injuries, even death.
The Wake-Up Call
A friend parked his car on a bustling street and popped his door open without a glance. Just in time, a cyclist swerved to avoid a collision—but it was dangerously close. That moment stuck with me. It showed how easily a simple habit—or lack of one—can cause chaos on the road.
Meet the Dutch Reach: Your New Best Habit
The fix? A simple trick called the Dutch Reach. Here’s how it works:
Drivers open the door with their right hand.
Passengers use their left hand.
Why? This unexpected hand switch naturally turns your body, prompting you to look back over your shoulder. Suddenly, you spot any approaching cyclists or traffic before swinging the door wide open. It might feel awkward at first, but with a little practice, it becomes automatic—and could prevent a devastating crash.
Everyone Plays a Role in Safer Streets
Safer roads aren’t just about individual actions. They require teamwork:
Urban planners can design safer bike lanes and clearer signage.
Schools can teach kids about road safety, including this simple door-opening trick.
Communities can spread awareness through campaigns and social media.
Small Change, Huge Impact
Right hand. Twist. Look.
That tiny change in your routine could be the difference between a close call and a tragedy. The Dutch Reach isn’t just a gesture—it’s a lifesaver. Let’s all adopt it, teach it, and keep our roads safe for everyone.
In Conclusion:
Saving lives doesn’t always mean grand gestures. Sometimes, the smallest changes matter most. The Dutch Reach is a powerful yet simple habit that helps prevent dooring accidents by encouraging drivers and passengers to check for cyclists before opening their doors.
As our streets grow busier, the safety of all road users depends on habits like this and the shared effort of communities, planners, and educators alike. By making this small adjustment, we not only avoid injuries—we build a culture of care and respect on the road.