“Alternative” means of transportation are on the rise, thanks to rising car prices and gasoline prices, so it really shouldn’t be a surprise to see someone gliding down the road on an electric scooter, bicycle, skateboard or motorcycle.
What do all of these people have in common? They’re in danger of getting “doored.”
What’s “dooring” and why is it so deadly?
Dooring is what happens when someone inside a vehicle opens their door right into someone else’s path. If that someone happens to be in another car, you have a crash and some hefty repair bills — but probably no fatalities.
When the person in the road happens to be on a bike, scooter, motorcycle or something else that leaves them more exposed, dooring can lead to tragedy. The abrupt collision with the door usually sends the victim headfirst over the door and onto the pavement. Brain and spinal injuries are common, and so are fatalities.
How does the Dutch Reach work?
The Dutch Reach is very simple: You merely need to use the hand opposite the street to open your car door. This automatically forces you to turn your shoulders and head in a way that makes it easy to see if anybody is coming before you open your door.
Drivers and passengers alike should practice the Dutch Reach. Train yourself, your spouse, your kids and your friends so that you can help reduce the number of accidents out there on the roads.
If you or your loved one is the victim of a dooring incident, the long-term consequences can be grim. Find out more about your right to compensation as soon as possible.
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