Most of us open our car doors on autopilot, rarely thinking about the potential dangers. Yet many collisions happen not because of reckless driving, but because a door was opened without checking for cyclists, scooters, or passing cars—a “dooring accident.” Using the hand closest to the door feels natural, but it keeps your body facing forward, making it easy to miss oncoming traffic.

The solution is called the Dutch Reach: instead of your left hand, use your right hand to open the driver’s door. This simple action rotates your body, turns your shoulders, and forces your head to look back, automatically scanning for hazards before the door swings open. It’s a small adjustment with a big impact on safety.

This technique has been standard practice in the Netherlands for years and is increasingly recognized worldwide, appearing in driving manuals in the U.S. and U.K. With more cyclists, e-scooters, and shared streets, even minor mistakes can lead to serious injury, making habits like the Dutch Reach essential for everyone on the road.

It takes just a few tries to make it second nature. Once you do, opening your door becomes a built-in safety check—protecting yourself and those around you. From now on, reach with your right hand, twist, and glance back. It’s a small motion that could save a life.