Let’s be honest—today’s traffic is a stressful mess, especially if you live in a busy city. Between impatient drivers, unpredictable cyclists, and distracted pedestrians, even the most careful driver can feel overwhelmed. That’s why more people—myself included—are opting to walk or take public transit whenever possible.

But for those who still drive daily, road safety is more critical than ever. And it’s not just about following speed limits or avoiding texting behind the wheel. Sometimes, it’s about the small habits—the ones that seem minor but can save lives.

One of those habits? It’s called the Dutch Reach—and it just might be one of the most powerful road safety tools you’ve never heard of.

Why Traffic Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Every day, accidents happen because of one second of carelessness. Maybe someone checks their phone at a red light. Or rushes through a yellow. Or, in one of the most overlooked dangers—swings open their car door without checking.

It’s a simple act we’ve all done. You park your car, reach for the door handle, and step out. But if you don’t look first, you could be putting a cyclist in danger—and yourself, too.

That kind of accident has a name. And unfortunately, it happens far more often than you’d think.

What Is “Dooring”? A Real Danger Hiding in Plain Sight
Dooring occurs when someone inside a parked car opens their door directly into the path of a passing cyclist. It sounds like a freak accident—but for cyclists, it’s a common nightmare.

Imagine biking along a designated bike lane, only for a car door to suddenly swing open in your lane. The impact can send a cyclist flying—into the street, into moving traffic, or onto the hard pavement. It can cause serious injuries, or worse.

The worst part? It’s 100% preventable.