There are several reasons why bicycling is becoming more popular as a mode of primary transportation for people. As more people take to two wheels, more bicycle accidents occur and one of the top accidents in urban areas is the “dooring.” This is a preventable accident which often leads to serious injury and sometimes death.
The “Dooring” Bicycle Accident
Imagine riding down the street on your bicycle when, without any warning, a car door opens in front of you. You have limited options. Brake as hard as you can and pray that your bike stops before hitting the door, swerve to get out of the way, or prepare to slam into the door head-on.
If you are very fortunate, you may be able to brake in time and save yourself and your bicycle from harm. Many people in dooring bicycle accidents are not so lucky. People have flipped off their bikes as they smashed into the car door, while others have been severely injured or killed as they swerved into traffic to avoid hitting the door. One simple maneuver by motorists can prevent this type of bicycle accident.
The Dutch Reach
This simple maneuver can eliminate dooring bicycle accidents completely if taught as part of driver’s education and adopted as a regular part of safe driving habits. Instead of automatically opening your door with your left hand, with the Dutch Reach, you use your right hand. When you reach across your body with your right hand, you naturally swivel to see your side mirror and you look out and back as you open the door slowly.
The Dutch people have used this maneuver for so long that it is a natural reflex when opening the car door. As of yet, the Dutch Reach is not that well known in the United States, however, Dr. Michael Charney, a retired physician, launched the Dutch Reach Project with the intention of making the practice known here.
What Cyclists Can Do
It takes drivers and cyclists working together to prevent bicycle accidents. Not all motorists will practice or even know about the Dutch Reach, so cyclists will need to be proactive with their own safety measures. You must ride defensively and as much as possible stay out of the zone where you are likely to get doored. This is usually the far left side of a bicycle lane when those are available.
Always be ready to apply the brakes. Expect the unexpected when driving near parked or stopped vehicles. You may be riding in the bike zone, but do not develop a feeling of false security. Even in bike zones, you may be vulnerable.
A bicycle accident can cause serious if not fatal injuries. At Maison Law, we provide excellent representation for those involved in personal injury cases. You can contact us for a complimentary consultation about your injury or that of a loved one. We also offer transportation for those who need it.
