If you drive a car or ride in one frequently, what I’m about to share could actually save a life. And I’ll be honest — I had never heard of this before. It’s such a small change in habit, but it makes a huge difference. My friend, who’s a police officer, told me this during a casual conversation, and ever since then, I haven’t opened a car door the same way.
The advice is simple: always open your car door with your RIGHT hand — not your left hand, even if you’re the driver. Sounds weird at first, right? But there’s a powerful reason behind it.
It’s Called the “Dutch Reach” — and It Could Prevent a Tragedy
This method is widely known in parts of Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, where it originated — hence the name, the Dutch Reach. The concept is simple: instead of using your left hand (as most drivers instinctively do in countries where you drive on the right side of the road), you use your right hand to open the car door.
This forces your body to twist slightly, turning your shoulders — and in doing so, you automatically look over your left shoulder toward the street or bike lane.
That small motion gives you a chance to see if a cyclist, pedestrian, scooter rider, or car is coming up next to you. Without it, you’re far more likely to swing your door open blindly — a mistake that leads to thousands of accidents every year.
The Hidden Dangers of Doorings
In the traffic safety world, there’s a term for this kind of accident: dooring. It happens when someone in a parked car opens the door into the path of a cyclist or motorcyclist, causing a sudden crash. These crashes can lead to serious injuries, and in some cases, they are fatal.
Dooring is incredibly common in cities where biking is popular, and it often happens because the person in the car simply didn’t check behind them before opening the door. We’re so used to stepping out that we don’t think twice — until it’s too late.
My police officer friend told me that dooring accidents are among the most easily preventable, and yet they still happen every single day. And that’s exactly why officers and road safety experts are pushing for awareness around the Dutch Reach.
Why Your Right Hand Makes All the Difference
Here’s how it works, practically:
- You’re sitting in the driver’s seat.
- Instead of reaching across your body with your left hand to open the door (which requires no shoulder movement),
- You reach across your body with your right hand.
- That action naturally turns your torso and head to the left — the direction from which cyclists or cars approach.
- You check your side mirror, then your blind spot — and only then do you open your door, safely.
It becomes an automatic safety check — built into the act of exiting the vehicle.
Not Just for Drivers: Pass It On to Your Passengers
This tip isn’t just for drivers. Front and back seat passengers should get in the habit too. If you’re on the curbside, the risk might be lower, but if you’re parked on a street where there’s traffic or a bike lane next to you, the danger is real for everyone.
Especially teach this to:
- Teen drivers
- Rideshare passengers (Uber, Lyft)
- Kids who are learning about street safety
- Older family members who may be set in their ways
It’s simple to teach: “Always use your far hand — not the hand closest to the door.”
Why Police Officers Emphasize This Habit
My friend didn’t just tell me this out of personal preference. Officers are trained to be extremely aware of traffic dynamics and the little habits that can keep people safe. In cities with high bike traffic, some departments even include the Dutch Reach in their driver education programs.
This isn’t a TikTok trend or random online tip — it’s an actual, researched safety recommendation supported by public health organizations, road safety commissions, and law enforcement agencies around the world.
A Habit That Takes Seconds to Learn, but Lasts a Lifetime
The Dutch Reach takes maybe an extra second or two. But that second might be the difference between a normal day and a trip to the ER — or worse.
I’ve made this change in my daily routine. It took just a couple of days to feel natural, and now I catch myself doing it without even thinking. Honestly, I wish I had known this years ago.
So, next time you park your car, remember this simple rule:
Use your right hand to open the door. Always.
Look back. Then step out.
It could save someone’s life — maybe even your own.
