Let’s face it—traffic today is stressful and dangerous. I avoid driving when I can, but even cautious
drivers aren’t safe from others’ carelessness. That’s why I’m all for any habit that makes roads safer.
One major yet often overlooked danger is “dooring”—when a car door opens into a cyclist’s path. I saw it almost happen
when a friend parked and opened his door without checking. A cyclist swerved just in time. It shook us both. That moment changed how I think.
Many cities are now addressing this issue with better signage and protected bike lanes. But there’s one simple habit everyone
can adopt: the Dutch Reach. It’s easy—drivers use their right hand (passengers use their far hand) to open
the door. This forces you to turn and look behind you, helping you spot oncoming cyclists or scooters.
It might feel awkward at first, but it quickly becomes second nature. I started doing it—and now
I tell everyone I know. Small changes like this can save lives.
Let’s all help build a culture of safety. Use the Dutch Reach, respect others on the road,
and remember: right hand, turn, look. It’s a small habit with a big impact.