With the continuous advancement of urbanization, modern cities have experienced tremendous changes, particularly in transportation.

The diversification of transportation modes has brought great convenience, enabling faster and more efficient movement.

However, this progress also introduces new safety risks, one of which is the increasing occurrence of a specific type of traffic accident known as "open-door killing."

In recent years, "open-door killing" has become a frequent phenomenon, drawing widespread attention and discussion. This type of accident occurs when a driver or passenger carelessly opens a vehicle's door without first checking for oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.

As a result, those behind the vehicle—especially cyclists and motorcyclists—are often unable to avoid the suddenly opened door, leading to serious accidents, injuries, or even fatalities.

Furthermore, in an attempt to avoid the open door, cyclists may swerve abruptly into other lanes, potentially colliding with other moving vehicles. These secondary accidents can often result in even more severe consequences.

These incidents not only endanger the lives of those struck but also leave the driver or passenger liable for legal consequences. Thus, "open-door killing" has emerged as an invisible yet lethal threat to urban traffic safety.

This kind of accident is particularly common in urban areas, especially on crowded streets or in locations where parking spaces are situated close to bicycle lanes.

Traffic accident data from many cities around the world, particularly in places with a high density of bicycle riders, show that "open door killing" accidents occur frequently.

As such, this issue has gained significant public attention, prompting calls for more robust safety measures and education campaigns to address the problem.

However, In the Netherlands, Despite the high number of cyclists in Dutch cities, these types of accidents are rare. The reason for this is largely due to a simple yet highly effective safety practice known as the "Dutch reach" or "Dutch door-opening method."

The essence of this technique lies in changing the way drivers and passengers open car doors, reducing the likelihood of accidents by encouraging greater awareness of their surroundings.

The specific method involves using the hand furthest from the door to open it. For example, in left-hand drive vehicles, the driver should use their right hand to open the door, while in right-hand drive vehicles, the driver should use their left hand.

This seemingly minor behavior change has a significant impact on safety. By using the opposite hand, the body is forced to turn toward the outside of the vehicle, naturally prompting the driver or passenger to check their blind spot.

This rotation of the shoulders and head encourages individuals to look over their shoulders, allowing them to see whether any cyclists, pedestrians, or vehicles are approaching from behind before fully opening the door.

The "Dutch reach" has become an ingrained habit for drivers and passengers in the Netherlands. As a result, the rate of dooring accidents in the country is remarkably low.

This simple yet effective safety measure has proven to be a highly successful way to prevent "open-door killing" accidents and protect both cyclists and motorists.

Despite its widespread use in the Netherlands, the "Dutch reach" is not well-known in many other countries. Many drivers and passengers are unaware of this technique and continue to open their doors without thinking, often using the hand closest to the door.

For individuals accustomed to this method, switching to the "Dutch reach" may feel awkward at first. However, with practice and persistence, this action can become second nature. Over time, drivers and passengers can develop this technique into an automatic safety habit, reducing the risk of accidents.

To encourage the adoption of the "Dutch reach," it is essential to raise awareness and educate the public about its benefits. This requires a coordinated effort across various sectors of society, including government agencies, traffic safety organizations, and driving schools.

Traffic safety education departments should play a leading role in promoting this technique through media campaigns, public service announcements, and educational programs. Clear and consistent messaging is crucial to encourage widespread awareness and adoption of the "Dutch reach."

Preventing "open-door killing" requires a shift in behavior and awareness. While the "Dutch reach" may be unfamiliar to many, it is a simple, effective, and easy-to-learn technique that can save lives.

By making this method a regular part of our door-opening routine, we can minimize the risk of dooring accidents and create safer roads for everyone. Let each of us commit to using the "Dutch reach" and encourage others to do the same, contributing to a culture of safer, more responsible travel in our cities.