A visit to Scandinavia will have you amazed at how effortlessly drivers coexist with everyone else on the road. Even though the cities are packed with cars, buses, bikes and pedestrians, it seems like looking out for one another is pretty much second nature. At least part of the reason for this harmony comes down to how you open your car door. It’s likely you’re thinking, “Wait, there’s a right way to open your car door?” There sure is, and it’s called the “Dutch Reach” method. It’s so simple that it can (and should) become a habit everywhere for drivers and their passengers. To execute, simply open your car door with your inside hand — instead of grabbing the door handle with the hand nearest the door, reach for it by crossing of your body with the hand farthest from the door. In the U.S., that’s the right hand for drivers and the left hand for passengers. This move causes anyone opening the door to have to swivel their upper body and head, meaning they’ll have a better view of any bikers coming up from behind. This helps to prevent a potentially deadly mistake known as “dooring,” in which cyclists are struck by a car door that’s flung open into their path. Can you still use the Dutch Reach if you’re a leftie? Yes. The Dutch Reach works for anyone seated in a car. Simply reach across your body with the hand opposite the door, then slowly open the door. Make sure to watch for cyclists that could be coming up behind and beside the car. It doesn’t matter if you’re parked on the road, in a parking lot, or even in your driveway — it’s still wise to use the Dutch Reach to make sure everyone remains safe.
