Why You Should Always Open Your Car
1. A Simple Habit for Safer Exits
Opening a car door seems routine, but many accidents occur when people exit their vehicles.
Safety experts recommend the “far-hand reach,” a small habit that can prevent serious injuries.
2. How It Works
This method means using the hand farthest from the door—“for drivers in the U.S.,
that means using your right hand to open the left-side door.”
The motion turns your body, prompting a quick glance in the mirror and over your shoulder.
3. Preventing ‘Dooring’ Accidents
The National Safety Council promotes the technique because it helps avoid “dooring” crashes,
when a door opens into a passing cyclist or vehicle.
Such accidents injure thousands yearly but are “almost entirely preventable.”
4. A Mindful, Lifesaving Move
The far-hand reach “doesn’t require any equipment or cost.”
With practice, it becomes automatic—adding just a second to your routine while protecting you and others from harm.
