The Life-Saving Hack You’ve Never Heard Of—Until Now
Let’s be honest—driving today feels like a battlefield. Bumper-to-bumper traffic, blaring horns, distracted drivers—it’s enough to make anyone want to walk or take the bus. And with accidents happening every single day, staying safe behind the wheel has never been more important.
But what if one small habit could actually prevent a serious crash—and maybe even save a life?
What Is “Dooring”—and Why Should You Care?
If you’ve never heard the term “dooring,” you’re not alone. But for cyclists, it’s one of the most dangerous everyday threats.
Dooring happens when someone flings open a car door without checking for oncoming bikers. In a split second, a cyclist can slam into the door—or swerve into traffic to avoid it. It’s sudden. It’s scary. And it happens more often than you’d think.
The Moment That Changed Everything
A few years back, I watched a near-miss unfold in real time. My friend had just parallel parked downtown. Without so much as a glance, he popped his door open—and nearly wiped out a passing cyclist.
The rider dodged it with just inches to spare, but I’ll never forget the look of sheer panic on both their faces. That close call was enough to make me rethink how something so small—like opening a door—can have serious consequences.
How Cities Are Fighting Back
This isn’t just a personal issue. Cities worldwide are waking up to the danger of dooring. Many have redesigned streets to include bike lanes and added visual reminders urging drivers to “look before they open.”
It’s all part of a growing movement to create safer streets—for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Meet the “Dutch Reach”—A Simple Trick That Could Save a Life
Sometimes the smartest solutions are also the simplest. Take the Dutch Reach, for example—a small habit from the bike-loving Netherlands that could prevent one of the most common (and dangerous) road accidents: dooring.
What’s the Dutch Reach?
It’s easy: if you’re in the driver’s seat, open your door with your right hand, not your left.
Why? Because reaching across your body naturally forces you to twist your torso. That movement makes you look over your shoulder—giving you a clear view of your mirror and any cyclists or traffic approaching from behind.
The Science Behind the Twist
That little turn of your body does something big: it increases your awareness.
You’re not just glancing—you’re actively checking your surroundings. You’ll see that fast-approaching scooter, that quiet cyclist, or even a passing car before you swing your door open into harm’s way.
Passengers can do it too. Use the hand furthest from the door, and you’ll get the same safety-enhancing twist.
From Awkward to Automatic
I started using the Dutch Reach after my friend nearly doored a cyclist. At first, it felt unnatural—like brushing my teeth with the wrong hand. But after a few days, it became second nature.
Now I can’t imagine doing it any other way. And yes, I tell everyone about it.
Tiny Habit, Huge Impact
It’s such a small action. But when more people use it, we make streets safer—not just for cyclists, but for drivers and pedestrians too. That’s the power of collective change.
So, What Else Can We Do?
The Dutch Reach is a great start, but building a culture of road safety takes more:
- Cities should build protected bike lanes and install visual reminders.
- Schools can teach road-sharing habits early.
- Neighborhoods can host workshops or safety events.
- We—as individuals—can stay aware, patient, and respectful on the road.
One Final Reminder: Right Hand. Turn. Look.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or riding a bike, safety is a shared responsibility.
So next time you park and get ready to step out, remember this easy habit: right hand, turn, look.
It only takes a second—but it just might save a life.