Didja know you’ve been opening your car door wrong your entire life? And not just since you got your license and were in the driver’s seat. Passengers also open doors incorrectly. 

“But what?” — you’re likely wondering — “is wrong with the way I’ve been opening car doors?” 

Well, if you’re the one steering, you’ve probably been opening the door with your left hand… and not using the life-saving maneuver that has been called the Dutch Reach. 

First, the Dutch Reach isn’t something you need to google on Urban Dictionary. So apologies if anyone was psyched about learning a new term all the cool kids are saying.  

But even so, not only is it fun to try — it may even save someone’s life.  

Since the dawn of the motor vehicle, cyclists have been sharing the street with automobiles. With more bike lanes being created and more people riding bikes to work or for enjoyment, there’s even more riders taking to the pavement lately. 

And of course, motorcycles are also tearing down the roads at high speeds, sometimes weaving in between cars. 

The Dutch Reach is quite simple to do.   Just use a different hand to open your door. Instead of using the hand closest to the door, you would use the FAR hand. (For drivers, that’d be the left hand; for front passengers it’d be the right). 

• Step 1: Drivers and passengers use the FAR hand to open the door

• Step 2: When you pivot your body to open the door this way, you’ll automatically be positioned to look out for bikes and oncoming traffic

• Step 3: Is traffic clear? Great, open the door slowly before exiting and heading on your fabulous way

Drivers aren’t only sharing the road with bikers. Depending on where you live, you may also drive alongside everyone and everything, including:  

• Segway users 

• Skateboarders 

• Trailer tractors 

• Large farm equipment 

• Riders on horses 

• Horse and buggies 

• Little kids or pets who may be playing or running around 

• … even other drivers  Car accidents (or indeed, anything in life) can set off a larger chain reaction of events.   For example, imagine if one driver or pedestrian swings their door into another’s path; this can cause the cyclist to swerve and ultimately then collide with yet another vehicle or pedestrian.  Taking that extra moment of precaution will help everyone around you avoid an accident. 

Breaking a habit you’ve held onto since childhood isn’t something you’ll snap out of immediately. Create little memory reminders, such as tying a ribbon on your internal door handle. 

Because along with tulips and excellent cheese, the Netherlands has perfected the culture of cycling. If a world capital of bicycling exists, it’s probably in Amsterdam… where bikes outnumber people. And cyclists have the right of way. 

So it’s only natural the Dutch have also perfected what it means to live in a bike-friendly society.  

So go ahead, go be international and impress everyone with your worldly ways by opening your car door differently.  

You’ll also save a life. 

As always, empowered drivers are safer drivers, more thoughtful drivers, and more engaged drivers. Check out more helpful tips, including:    

• Summer Survival Emergency Kit: What to Pack 

• 5 Ways to Avoid Distracted Driving 

• Time to Replace Your Windshield Wipers? 

• 6 Ways to Defend Yourself From Drunk Drivers 

• Essential Road Trip Packing Guide 

What are you waiting for? Join the ride and get a quote today and see how techno-driven coverage can lower your premiums. 

And check out Novo Drive to find out how you can save 10% on your premiums just by enrolling.