4. It works for passengers too
Passengers sitting on the right side should use their left hand, turning their body toward oncoming traffic.
Where the Habit Came From
The name “Dutch Reach” comes from the Netherlands — a country famous for its cycling culture. There, children are taught this technique as part of their education, and drivers are tested on it.
Because of this single habit, the Netherlands has one of the lowest rates of dooring accidents in the world.
Why You Should Start Today
This tiny shift in your routine:
Doesn’t cost anything
Requires no equipment
Takes no extra time
Could save someone’s life
When practiced consistently, it becomes second nature — the same way buckling your seatbelt is.
If you drive in a busy city, near bike lanes, or even in suburban neighborhoods where kids ride scooters and bikes, adopting the right-hand door-open technique is one of the simplest acts of road safety you can perform.
