Attention cyclists! Dooring accidents in Cologne pose a serious risk!

Attention cyclists! Dooring accidents in Cologne pose a serious risk!

In Cologne, a topic is back in vogue that not only affects cyclists but also drivers: dooring accidents. The bike courier driverThomas Wallraffreports on his own experiences and draws attention to the dangers that can arise if car doors are opened carelessly. His girlfriend suffered a concussion after a taxi suddenly slammed the door open. Such incidents are not isolated. In the last three years, almost 400 dooring accidents were registered in Cologne, with 27 cyclists injured so seriously that they had to be treated in hospital, as WDR notes.

The city of Cologne and the police have therefore launched a campaign to use posters and social media to encourage people to be careful when opening car doors.Michael Lindlar, head of the Traffic Accident Directorate of the Cologne Police, warns urgently about the potentially serious injuries that can be caused by such accidents. The main focus of the campaign is the so-called “Dutch handle”, a technique designed to encourage drivers to look over their shoulder when opening the door.

The Dutch handle – a simple solution?

The “Dutch handle” is highly praised as a simple but effective measure. Drivers should open the door with their right hand to automatically turn their upper body to the left and look over their left shoulder. This way they can better notice cyclists and e-scooters before they get out of the car. This method is not only propagated by the Cologne police, but also by the German Road Safety Council, like the platformOne hundred percentexplains: “Too often people don’t look over their shoulders when getting out, which can have serious consequences.”

Together with thatADAC, taxi hailing and various driving schools, the campaign is being driven by the city. A close collaboration that not only aims to raise awareness, but also encourages cyclists to keep a safe distance of at least one door's length from parked cars. This also recommendsJochen Sperber, managing director of the bicycle courier service Rapido, who also describes an incident in which a cyclist collided with a delivery door.

Road 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, the drivers or their passengers bear responsibility. Traffic experts agree that safe infrastructure is essential to reduce these accidents. In Berlin, the ADFC demands that cyclists keep a safety distance of at least 1 meter from parked vehicles; even 1.50 meters would be better in order to stay safe.

Measures must also be taken to prevent such accidents in the long term: Politicians should promote the construction of safe cycle paths and protected infrastructure. Car manufacturers are required to equip vehicles with automatic stop systems for car doors. In this way, road safety could be significantly increased for everyone involved, as ADFC Berlin reports.