Let’s be honest—today’s traffic is overwhelming, especially in busy cities. Between distracted pedestrians, speeding scooters, unpredictable cyclists, and endless construction zones, even the most careful driver can feel tense behind the wheel.
That’s why more and more people—including me—are choosing to walk or take public transit when they can. But for those who still drive daily, road safety isn’t just about big rules. It’s about the small habits—the ones that seem minor, but could truly save a life.
And one of the most important habits of all?
It’s called the Dutch Reach—and it just might be the most powerful road safety trick you’ve never heard of.
Why Road Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Every day, accidents happen because of one second of carelessness.
A glance at the phone.
A rushed turn.
Or—more common than you might think—a car door flung open into a bike lane.
It sounds like a fluke. But for cyclists, it’s a daily risk with serious consequences.
What Is “Dooring”? A Real Danger in Plain Sight
“Dooring” occurs when someone opens their car door directly into the path of a passing cyclist.
It’s fast. It’s violent. And it’s entirely preventable.
Imagine this: You’re riding in a bike lane. The traffic beside you is moving smoothly. Suddenly, a parked car door swings open without warning—and there’s no time to swerve.
The results? Broken bones. Head injuries. Even fatal crashes.
And yet it happens every single day in cities around the world.
My Wake-Up Call: A Close Call That Changed My Habits
I’ll admit—I never gave dooring much thought. Not until I saw it almost happen, just a few feet from where I stood.
A friend and I had parked downtown. Without thinking, he reached for the driver’s door with his left hand and flung it open—without looking. At that exact moment, a cyclist zipped down the bike lane beside us.
He swerved hard, narrowly missing the door—and nearly collided with oncoming traffic.
The look on his face? Terror.
The look on ours? Shock.
We were lucky. That cyclist was lucky. But luck isn’t a safety plan.
The Dutch Reach: A Small Habit That Makes a Big Difference
The Dutch Reach is a simple driving habit that originated in the Netherlands—where cycling is a deeply ingrained part of daily life.
It works like this:
👉 Instead of using your left hand to open the car door, you use your right hand (or your left hand if you’re the passenger on the right side).
That small change forces your body to twist, naturally turning your head and shoulders to look behind you—right where a cyclist or scooter might be approaching.
It’s a physical cue that encourages a safety check you might otherwise forget.
Why It Works: Simple Science, Serious Impact
Let’s face it: good intentions fade in the rush of daily life.
You park, you grab your bag, and before you even think—your door’s open.
But with the Dutch Reach, your body does the remembering for you.
That twist automatically lines up your eyes with your side mirror and blind spot—giving you a precious second or two to spot a cyclist and prevent a collision.
From Awkward to Automatic
I started using the Dutch Reach after that near-miss with my friend.
At first? It felt strange—like trying to brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand.
But after a week or two, it stuck. Now I do it without thinking.
And honestly? I feel safer because of it—not just for me, but for everyone around me.
It’s Not Just for Drivers
Passengers need to use the Dutch Reach, too—especially in the back seat, where bike lanes often run close to the curb.
Teaching this one habit to kids, seniors, and rideshare passengers could dramatically reduce dooring incidents.
Because road safety is everyone’s job—not just the person behind the wheel.
Making Safety a Habit: How to Spread the Dutch Reach
Building safer streets doesn’t require new laws or fancy gadgets.
It starts with habits, education, and awareness.
Here’s how we can help:
✅ Teach it in driver’s ed programs and high school safety classes
✅ Add signage near bike lanes and parking zones
✅ Promote it through public service announcements and community centers
✅ Model it yourself—and talk about it with family and friends
One habit, repeated over time, becomes culture. And culture changes lives.
Right Hand. Turn. Look. Save a Life.
Traffic doesn’t have to be terrifying. But safety takes mindfulness—and action.
So the next time you park your car and reach for the door—pause.
Use your right hand. Turn your shoulders.
Look back.
That tiny twist might not seem like much.
But to someone on two wheels?
It could mean everything.
About the Author
