Why You Should Always Use Your Right Hand to Open Your Car Door

A split second of inattention when opening your door is all it takes to cause a painful collision that could seriously injure another person and change their life forever. Simply switching hands when you open your door can drastically reduce that risk for everyone on the road.

The best part about adopting this safety measure is that it doesn’t take long to master. Once you start doing it, it quickly becomes second nature. Before you know it, you won’t even think about it—you’ll just automatically twist and check before opening your door.

I will happily admit it: I’d never once thought about how I opened my car door. But now, thanks to the simple lesson from a police officer, I’ll never do it the same way again. From now on, it’s a commitment to right hand only.

It is a small habit change, but one that can have a huge impact. The next time you put your car in park, remember the rule: reach with your right, save a life.