The other day, a friend of mine who’s a police officer told me something that honestly blew my mind: you should only open your car door with your right hand. At first, I thought it sounded oddly specific—why the right hand? But after hearing the explanation, it made perfect sense, and now I can’t believe I never knew this before.
The Safety Trick You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
When most of us park and get ready to step out of the car, we naturally reach for the door handle with our left hand (especially if we’re the driver). It feels more natural. But here’s the problem: opening the door this way usually means you just swing it open without turning your body or checking carefully behind you.
That’s risky. Cyclists, scooters, motorcyclists, or even passing cars could be coming right up alongside you. In traffic safety terms, this is called a “dooring accident”—when someone opens their car door into the path of another person on the road. These accidents can cause serious injuries, and in many cities, they’re more common than people realize.
The “Dutch Reach” Explained
The technique my friend described is actually known in traffic safety circles as the Dutch Reach. Instead of using your left hand to open the driver’s side door, you deliberately use your right hand. Why? Because reaching across your body forces you to:
- Turn your shoulders
- Swivel your head naturally
- Look over your shoulder and into your mirror
That small shift makes you far more likely to spot an approaching cyclist or vehicle before opening the door. It turns what used to be a mindless motion into a built-in safety check.
Backed by Safety Campaigns Worldwide
This isn’t just a neat trick your local officer happened to mention. The Dutch Reach is actually taught as standard practice in the Netherlands, where cycling is deeply woven into everyday life. In fact, Dutch driver’s license tests require it. The method has since been promoted internationally by road safety groups, and even included in driving manuals in the United States and the UK.
Why It Matters for Everyone
Even if you don’t bike, this habit can save lives. Cities everywhere are seeing more cyclists, e-scooter riders, and motorcycles sharing the road. A split second of inattention can cause a collision that changes someone’s life forever. Simply switching hands when you open your door can drastically reduce that risk.
And here’s the best part: once you start doing it, it quickly becomes second nature. You won’t even think about it—you’ll just automatically twist and check before opening your door.
The Takeaway
I’ll admit it: I’d never once thought about how I opened my car door. But now, thanks to my police officer friend, I’ll never do it the same way again. From now on, it’s right hand only.
A small habit change, a huge impact. Next time you park, remember: reach with your right, save a life.
