The simple but highly effective technique that the police officer described is formally known in traffic safety circles around the world as the Dutch Reach.
Instead of reaching for the driver’s side door handle with your close, convenient left hand, you make the deliberate effort to use your right hand instead.
Reaching across your body with your right hand actually forces your entire body to shift. This movement naturally causes you to do three critical things:
- Turn your shoulders
- Swivel your head naturally
- Look over your shoulder and into your mirror
That tiny physical adjustment turns what was a thoughtless, quick movement into a built-in safety check. It makes you far more likely to spot any approaching vehicle, bicycle, or scooter before you ever open the door even an inch.
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