Cars and larger vehicles aren’t just a potential danger to bicyclists while they’re moving. They can potentially cause serious and even fatal injuries when they’re parked on the street – specifically when a driver or passenger opens a door without looking behind them.
When bicyclists can’t get out of the way in time to avoid a door opening into their path, they can run into it. This is commonly called “dooring.” That alone can cause painful injuries. However, they can also get thrown over the door and into traffic, where they can be run over.
The law
Georgia law states, “No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.”
The “Dutch Reach”
Despite the fact that the practice is illegal, many people still open their car doors toward the street without looking. Even if they make sure the lane is free of vehicle traffic, they may not notice a cyclist moving towards them – possibly at a speed too fast to avoid the door without swerving into traffic.
For years, victims of dooring incidents, surviving family members and cycling advocates have tried to educate people on what is called the “Dutch Reach.” This is where a person uses the arm farthest away from the door handle to open the door rather than the hand closest, as is typical. This causes them to turn their body, which puts them in a position to look out the window so they can see anyone approaching.
Of course, ingrained habits are hard to break. That’s why simple reminders like a string tied to the door handle can help. Certainly, those in the vehicle still have to ensure that they’re looking for cyclists, who can be harder to see than other vehicles.
Those who suffer injuries or have lost a family member to dooring can seek to hold the person responsible for the incident liable, regardless of any criminal penalties they may or may not be facing. It’s smart to get experienced legal guidance to improve your chances of getting fair compensation.