Most of us get out of our cars without thinking twice. It’s automatic—park, unbuckle, open the door, and move on with the day. But safety experts warn that this familiar habit is responsible for far more accidents than many people realize. In fact, one small change in how you open your car door could prevent serious injuries.
The advice comes from law enforcement officers and road-safety specialists around the world: drivers should always open their door with their right hand, not their left.
At first, it sounds almost too simple to matter. But once you understand why this method works, it becomes clear just how much it reduces risk—and why it’s quickly becoming an international safety standard.
Why the Everyday Door-Opening Habit Is Riskier Than You Think
When drivers use their left hand to open the door, the body barely turns. The door swings outward quickly, often without the driver checking for cyclists, e-scooter riders, pedestrians, or passing cars.
This is how “dooring accidents” happen—when a car door suddenly opens into the path of someone approaching from behind. These crashes are especially dangerous for cyclists and scooter riders, who may have no time to brake or avoid impact.
Dooring accidents aren’t rare. They happen in busy cities every day and can cause severe injuries. The problem isn’t bad driving—it’s a thoughtless moment.
The Dutch Reach: A Proven Technique That Saves Lives
The solution is a simple habit known as the Dutch Reach, a technique taught for decades in the Netherlands, a country where cycling is part of daily life.
Instead of using your left hand, you reach across your body and open the door with your right hand.
This small movement forces you to:
- Turn your shoulders
- Naturally swivel your upper body
- Look into your side mirror
- Check over your shoulder for approaching traffic
It transforms an automatic motion into an instinctive safety scan—without requiring any extra effort once you get used to it.
A Worldwide Standard Backed by Safety Experts
The Dutch Reach has gained global recognition because it works. Driving instructors and safety organizations in multiple countries have adopted it into official handbooks and training programs.
By simply switching hands, drivers dramatically reduce the chances of opening a door into the path of a cyclist or oncoming vehicle. It’s a small adjustment with a huge impact.
A Habit That Protects Everyone on the Road
With the rise of e-bikes, scooters, bike-sharing programs, and denser traffic, more people than ever share the streets. This makes dooring accidents an even bigger concern.
Changing this one habit:
- Protects cyclists and pedestrians
- Prevents costly damage
- Avoids painful injuries
- Helps create safer, more mindful roads for everyone
The best part? Once you try it a few times, it becomes second nature.
I never used to think about how I opened my car door. But after learning about the Dutch Reach, it clicked instantly. Now, it’s the only way I open my door—and I feel more aware and confident every time.
A tiny shift in your routine could make a life-saving difference.
Next time you park, remember: reach with your right, look, and then open.
What do you think—will you start using the Dutch Reach?
Share your thoughts or experiences with road safety in the comments!