Sometimes, we don’t think about these dangers until we see them for ourselves. “I didn’t always think about dooring. It just wasn’t on my radar—until one day, it nearly happened right in front of me.” This moment can be a powerful lesson. A friend parked their car and, without thinking, opened the door just as a cyclist was passing by. The rider had to quickly swerve to avoid a collision. The situation was frightening for everyone involved. As the author of the original piece put it, “We got lucky. That’s all it was—luck. And luck is not a safety plan.”
This close call shows us that we need a better way to prevent these accidents.
How the Dutch Reach Works
The “Dutch Reach” is a simple solution that comes from the Netherlands, a country famous for its cycling culture. The idea is to use the hand farthest from the car door to open it.
- If you’re the driver, use your right hand to open the door.
- If you’re a passenger, use your left hand.
Why does this work so well? This small, unusual action forces you to turn your body and look over your shoulder. When you turn, you automatically check your side mirror and the area behind your car, giving you a clear view of any approaching cyclists, scooters, or other vehicles.
While it might feel strange at first, using the opposite hand to open the door makes checking your surroundings a natural part of the process. “The act of turning your body automatically brings your head around, giving you a split-second view that can mean the difference between safety and disaster.” With practice, this new habit becomes automatic and feels completely normal.
