I Just Learned from My Friend Who’s a Police Officer That You Should ONLY Open Your Car Door With Your Right Hand. I Repeat, Only With Your RIGHT Hand.

The Dutch Reach is a simple habit that can save lives: always open your car door with your right hand, even as the driver. Originating in the Netherlands, this method forces you to twist your body, naturally looking over your left shoulder to check for cyclists, pedestrians, or vehicles in your blind spot. This prevents “dooring” accidents, where a suddenly opened car door causes crashes, often with serious or fatal injuries. Common in bike-heavy cities,

dooring is easily avoidable with this technique. Drivers and passengers alike should adopt it—reach with the far hand, not the closest one. Police and safety experts endorse the Dutch Reach for its effectiveness. It takes seconds to learn, becomes second nature quickly, and could prevent tragedy. Teach it to teen drivers, rideshare passengers, kids, and older family members. Next time you park, use your right hand—it’s a small change with a big impact.