Okay, guys, I am seriously freaking out right now. I was grabbing coffee with my friend, Mark, who’s been a police officer for like, forever. We were just chatting about random stuff when he casually dropped this BOMB on me. He said, “Hey, do you know why you should always open your car door with your right hand?” And I was like, uh, no? Is this some weird cop joke? He just looked at me all serious and said it’s a genuine safety tip that everyone should know. He then proceeded to explain this mind-blowing technique called the “Dutch Reach.” Apparently, when you use your right hand to open the car door, it forces you to turn your body and look over your left shoulder. This gives you a much better view of oncoming traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians. He said it’s especially crucial in busy city streets where people are constantly weaving in and out. I’m sitting there, latte in hand, realizing I’ve been blindly flinging open my car door for years without a second thought.
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Mark went on to tell me about countless accidents he’s seen where drivers have carelessly opened their doors and collided with cyclists or pedestrians. In some cases, these accidents have resulted in serious injuries or even fatalities. He said the Dutch Reach significantly reduces the risk of these types of incidents by increasing your awareness of your surroundings. The basic premise is that drivers often act without thinking, and this teaches the right response in the moment, especially when one is in a hurry.
I started thinking about all the times I’ve been in such a rush to get out of my car that I’ve barely glanced at the road before swinging the door open. How many times have I almost clipped a cyclist or stepped out right in front of a passing car? The thought alone made my stomach churn. It’s one of those things you never really think about until someone points it out, and then you realize how incredibly important it is.
He also showed me a video of the **”Dutch Reach”** in action. It explained its origins in the Netherlands, where it’s taught as a standard practice in driving education. It’s so ingrained in their culture that people do it without even thinking. The video highlighted how simple and effective this technique is and how it can save lives.
I immediately felt the need to share this information with everyone I know. I texted my family, emailed my colleagues, and even posted about it on social media. I was like a woman possessed, spreading the gospel of the Dutch Reach. I am even implementing it when getting out as a passenger. It feels so weird to open the door with my right hand now, but I know it will become second nature with practice. A slight shift in habits to avoid devastating accidents.
So, from now on, I’m officially a Dutch Reach convert. I urge everyone to adopt this simple yet potentially life-saving habit. Let’s all be more mindful of our surroundings and do our part to make the roads safer for everyone. Seriously, people, start using your right hand to open your car door! It might just save a life…maybe even your own!
