Is it permissible to open car doors into oncoming traffic when parked?

Opening car doors into oncoming traffic is a risky action and should generally be avoided. However, the concept of the Dutch Reach is important in understanding why this method is a safe practice. The Dutch Reach involves using the arm farthest from the car door to reach for the door handle. This requires the driver to turn their torso and look over their shoulder, which increases awareness of oncoming traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians.

By using the Dutch Reach, you are more likely to see any approaching vehicles or hazards before opening the door, thus minimizing the risk of an accident. This method is particularly emphasized in driver safety education as it promotes a proactive approach to ensuring safety not just for the driver, but also for others on the road.

Meanwhile, simply opening the door without checking for traffic, regardless of whether there are other vehicles present, can lead to dangerous situations such as dooring cyclists or inadvertently causing a collision with an oncoming vehicle. While there might be circumstances where using the Dutch Reach can make opening the door safer, without it, the action remains risky, hence the need for awareness and caution.