The Simple Habit That Could Prevent a Life-Changing Accident
Getting out of a car is something we do on autopilot—so routine we hardly ever think about it. But what if that ordinary action could put someone else in danger? The way you open your car door might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a common cause of serious accidents—especially in cities full of cyclists and scooter users.
A friend of mine, a police officer, once shared a piece of advice that completely changed the way I think about this everyday movement. It’s so straightforward, yet powerful, that road safety experts around the world now recommend it. Here it is:
Drivers should always open their car door with their right hand.
It might seem oddly specific—what difference does one hand make? But as soon as you hear why it works, it clicks into place. And just like me, you’ll wonder how you went so long without knowing it.
Why Your Left Hand Might Be Putting Others at Risk
As the driver, your instinct is to use your left hand to open the door—it’s the closest and most convenient option. But here’s what happens: using your left hand lets you stay facing forward. You don’t turn your body, and more importantly, you don’t turn your head. You just open the door.
That’s where the danger lies.
By opening your door without turning to check, you could be swinging it right into the path of someone coming up beside you—like a cyclist, scooter rider, or even a passing car. This type of incident is called a “dooring” accident, and it can result in devastating injuries. These accidents are far more common than people realize, especially in cities with bike lanes and busy streets.
The “Dutch Reach”: A Smarter, Safer Method
The technique my police friend shared is known globally as the Dutch Reach—named after its widespread use in the Netherlands, where biking is part of daily life.
Instead of using your left hand (the one nearest the door), you reach across your body with your right hand to open it. Why?
Because this motion forces your torso to rotate. And when you rotate, a few important things happen naturally:
Your shoulders turn.
Your head swivels.
You instinctively look over your shoulder and check your mirror.
This small physical movement acts like a built-in safety system. You become far more likely to see someone approaching your car before you open the door—and that awareness can prevent serious accidents.
More Than a Tip—A Global Best Practice
The Dutch Reach isn’t just some quirky tip. It’s an internationally respected safety practice. In the Netherlands, it’s part of the driving test for all new drivers. The U.S., the UK, and other countries have also started including it in driving manuals and road safety campaigns.
It’s not a gimmick—it’s a proven method to reduce injuries and save lives.
It Only Takes Seconds, But It Makes a Real Difference
Even if you never ride a bike or scooter yourself, adopting this habit helps protect others who do. As cities become more populated and modes of transport diversify, we all share the road in different ways. The simple act of opening a car door without looking can have serious, even tragic consequences.
But the fix? It couldn’t be easier.
Make the right-hand reach a habit. Within a few days, it’ll feel completely natural. You won’t even think about it—your body will just know to twist and check. And every time you do, you’re helping make the road a safer place for someone else.
From Unaware to Aware—One Small Change at a Time
I’ll admit—I’d never thought twice about how I opened my car door. But once someone pointed it out, I couldn’t unsee the potential danger. Now, I’ll never go back. The right-hand method isn’t just a safety trick—it’s a daily reminder to be aware, considerate, and cautious.
So the next time you park and reach for the door, remember this simple rule:
Use your right hand. Look back. Protect a life.
It takes just a second—but that second could make all the difference.
