This might surprise some people, but there is a proper way to open doors safely, especially in traffic-infested streets, where cars and bikes are almost always driving past parked vehicles at close quarters.
The technique is called the ‘Dutch Reach’.
Before we explain the Dutch Reach, here’s a video to show the dangers of the car door.
In this video from India, a group on a motorcycle crash into the opening door of a Maruti 800. The driver suddenly opened the door, so the bike slams into the Maruti’s door sending the group on the bike under the wheels of an oncoming truck. All three men were not wearing helmets.
This unfortunate mishap could have easily avoided if the person getting out of the car checks the rear view window for any traffic rushing by before opening the door.
What is the Dutch Reach?
The Dutch Reach technique calls for people to use the hand that is the furthest away from the door handle to open said door.
By using the Dutch Reach technique to open the door from the inside, you turn your body so that you’re nearly facing the rear while exiting the car. This allows people inside the car to peer through the rear windshield and the side windows at oncoming traffic, allowing them to spot any vehicles or pedestrians coming from behind.
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