This One Simple Habit Could Save a Life — And Most Drivers Don’t Know It
If you drive or ride in cars often, there’s a small habit that could literally save lives — and hardly
anyone talks about it. A police officer friend told me about it, and since then, I’ve changed how I open car doors forever.
It’s called the Dutch Reach. Instead of opening the door with your left hand (if you’re the driver),
use your right hand. This simple switch forces your body to twist, naturally turning your head toward
the road — helping you spot any oncoming cyclists, scooters, or cars before you open your door.
This small move helps prevent “dooring” — when someone in a parked car opens the door into the path
of a cyclist or motorcyclist, often causing serious or even fatal crashes.
The Dutch Reach is widely taught in the Netherlands and now promoted by traffic safety experts
around the world. It only takes a second, but it builds in an automatic safety check.
Teach it to your kids, passengers, and especially new drivers. It’s easy to remember:
Use the far hand, not the near one. A small habit, a huge impact — and possibly, a life saved.