Before opening your car door next to traffic, what should you do?

• A. Check for motorcyclists before you open your door next to traffic.
• B. Look only in the rearview mirror.
• C. Signal and immediately open the door.
• D. Open the door if traffic is light.

Answer: (A)

Opening your car door next to moving traffic poses a real hazard to riders in the adjacent lane. The main move to prevent this is to check for anyone riding in that lane before you open the door. A quick glance isn’t enough—you should do a shoulder check or look over your far shoulder in addition to what you see in the mirrors, so you don’t miss someone riding beside you. If you see a motorcyclist or cyclist, wait until they pass or choose a safer moment to exit.

Relying only on the rearview mirror can leave you blind to riders in the door-opening zone. Signaling and then opening the door assumes it’s safe, which isn’t guaranteed the moment you start to move. Opening the door just because traffic is light is also risky, since riders can appear suddenly and be very close.

Using a practical approach like the Dutch reach—opening the door with the hand furthest from the door so your body naturally turns away from traffic—helps you keep an eye on riders and open the door safely. Open slowly and be prepared to close it quickly if a rider is near.