Attention cyclists! Dooring accidents in Cologne threaten serious risk!

Attention cyclists! Dooring accidents in Cologne threaten serious risk!

in Cologne is a topic again very popular with not only cyclists, but also drivers: Dooring accidents. The wheel courier driver Thomas Wallraff reports of his own experiences and draws attention to the dangers that can arise when the car doors open. His girlfriend suffered a concussion after a taxi suddenly opened the door. Such incidents are not an isolated case. Almost 400 dooring accidents have been registered in Cologne in the past three years, whereby 27 cyclists were so seriously injured that they had to be treated in the hospital, such as wdr.

The city of Cologne and the police have therefore launched a campaign, which is supposed to indicate mindfulness when opening car doors via posters and social media. Michael Lindlar , head of the Cologne police accident directorate, urges the potentially serious injuries that can be caused by such accidents. The main focus of the campaign lies on the so -called "Dutch grip", a technique that drivers are supposed to inspire to take a look over the shoulder when opening the door.

The Dutch grip - a simple solution?

The "Dutch grip" is praised as a simple but effective measure. Drivers should open the door with the right hand to automatically turn their upper body to the left and take a look over the left shoulder. In this way you can better perceive cyclists and e-scooter drivers before you get out of the car. This method is not only propagated by the Cologne police, but also by the German Road Safety Council, such as the platform Hundred percent : "Too often, it is not too often looking over your shoulder when I get out."

Together with the ADAC , the taxi call and various driving schools, the campaign is promoted by the city. Close cooperation that not only aims at sensitization, but also encourages cyclists to meet a safety distance of at least one door length of parking cars. This also recommends Jochen Sperber , Managing Director of the Rapido cycling service, who also describes an incident in which a cyclist collided with a supplier door.

traffic safety for all road users

Dooring accidents are a nationwide phenomenon. In Berlin, the police register almost two such incidents every day. In most cases, drivers or their occupants are responsible. The traffic experts agree that a safe infrastructure is essential to reduce these accidents. In Berlin, the ADFC demands that cyclists should adhere to a safety distance of at least 1 meter to parking vehicles, better would even be 1.50 meters to get to safety.

For the long -term avoidance of such accidents, measures must also be taken: Politics should drive the construction of secure cycle paths and protected infrastructure. Car manufacturers are required to equip vehicles with automatic stop systems for car doors. In this way, the safety in road traffic could be significantly increased for everyone involved, as ADFC Berlin reports.