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Can dooring affect motorcyclists?

On Behalf of | May 6, 2023 | Motorcycle Accidents

Though dooring commonly comes into question when bicycles and cars get involved with one another, bicyclists are not the only people on the road impacted by dooring incidents.

Motorcyclists can also end up suffering from the negative impacts of dooring. But what exactly is it, and what are the impacts?

Defining dooring

This occurs when a parked car on the side of the road opens the door into, or into the path of, a motorcyclist. The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, adopted by many nations including America, has a section discussing prohibited driving behaviors. This includes opening a door, leaving it open or leaving the vehicle without first ensuring it proves no danger to other road-users.

This may happen on either the driver or passenger side of the car. Typically, a motorcyclist will either crash directly into the door, or they will end up knocked over by the door.

What are the risks?

The major risk of getting doored is the possibility of injury and the proximity to the street. Of course, it is entirely possible for a person to suffer from injury simply by crashing into the door. Victims may even fly off of their motorcycles, resulting in bruises, scrapes, cuts, or even broken bones or concussions despite wearing a helmet

However, the biggest risk is the potential for the victim to end up pushed into the street. Traffic may not have appropriate time to react and swerve, resulting in a driver hitting the motorcyclist, usually with tragic results.

How do you prevent it?

The best way to prevent dooring is two-fold. First, drivers and passengers should always check for oncoming traffic before opening the doors after parking.

Next, motorcyclists should make an attempt to ride a safe distance from the parked car lane, as one can never have full certainty that no one will open a door into them.