Accident Prevention Series Part 4: Being Doored

Another common problem is "dooring." This occurs when a driver or passenger opens his/her door into your line of travel causing you to collide with the door. While hitting the door is dangerous, doing so or attempting to avoid the door can force you into traffic, or cause you to fall into passing or oncoming traffic.

What to look for:

Any parked car, or line of parked cars, presents the potential for a driver or passenger could open a door into your pathway. Drivers and passengers may have limited visibility of oncoming traffic and may be oblivious to your presence. if a vehicle has just parked, drivers and passengers will very likely emerge from the vehicle. Be vigilant and look for:

• Rear lights – illuminated or being turned off;
• Brake lights - illuminated or being turned off;
• Exhaust emanating from a vehicle;
• Movement from within the vehicle;
• Movement of windows, windshield wipers or side mirrors;

Prevention

Approaching a parked vehicle or line of parked vehicles, your first choice should be to increase the distance between you and the parked vehicle(s) as you pass them. A car door will swing open anywhere from a foot or more, riding a distance of 3 or more feet from a parked car makes it easier for the driver or passenger person to see you. It also gives you more time and distance to react to the opening of a door.

Defensive Actions

Once a vehicle door has begun to open:

• a quick yell or whistle can be helpful;
• braking to a complete stop;
• trying to move around the door may be your only option but here there is the danger that you will suddenly move into traffic;
• Lastly, if the collision is unavoidable, do whatever you can to protect yourself – especially your face and head.

Again, riding a distance of 3 or more feet from a parked car makes it easier for the driver or passenger person to see you. It also gives you more time and distance to react to the opening of a door.