Preventing the recurrence of "dooring" incidents involving ride-hailing vehicles from a safety perspective

Dooring: refers to the act where, after parking, the driver or passenger of a vehicle opens the door without carefully checking the rear situation, causing a pedestrian or vehicle behind to collide with the door due to insufficient reaction time, or to be hit or run over by a vehicle from behind while avoiding it, resulting in a traffic accident.

I. Case Review

On March 27, 2025, the Shunde Procuratorate public account published an article titled "Door Opening Chic? Carelessly Causing a 'Dooring' Incident." "Defendant Huang, after picking up passenger Yuan via a ride-hailing platform and arriving at the destination, pulled over to the right in a no-parking zone. At that time, both were focused on settling the fare and did not check for vehicles approaching from behind. When Yuan opened the left rear door to get out, Luo, who was driving an electric bike from behind, collided with the car door, causing injuries to Luo that led to death after failed rescue efforts.

In this case, ride-hailing driver Huang, who temporarily parked in a no-parking zone and failed to remind the passenger to ensure safety before exiting, bore primary responsibility for the road traffic accident. Passenger Yuan, who directly opened the door without checking for vehicles behind, causing a death, bore secondary responsibility and was required to assume administrative and civil compensation liabilities.

The Shunde District Procuratorate held that Huang violated traffic management regulations, causing a major accident resulting in one death, and bore primary responsibility. According to Article 133 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, he was prosecuted for the crime of causing a traffic accident. After trial, the court, considering factors such as Huang's compensation to the victim's family and obtaining their forgiveness, sentenced Huang to one year in prison, suspended for one year, for the crime of causing a traffic accident. In addition to driver Huang's criminal liability, Yuan also provided civil compensation to Luo's family."

2. What groups are involved in "dooring" accidents

3. The main victims of "dooring" accidents are cyclists, e-bike riders, or motorcyclists, who may crash into a car door due to insufficient reaction time, or be hit or run over by a vehicle from behind while swerving, resulting in minor injuries like falls and scrapes, or severe harm such as fractures or even death.

4. Legal regulations on motor vehicle parking

5. The relevant laws and regulations governing motor vehicle parking are primarily reflected in Article 56 of the Road Traffic Safety Law and Article 63 of the Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law, which cover three scenarios:

6. 1. Permitted parking. Parking is allowed in designated locations (such as parking lots) and government-marked parking spaces.

7. 2. Prohibited parking. Parking is prohibited in places specified in paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of Article 63 of the Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law.

3. Temporary parking is allowed. That is, in places other than those legally permitted or prohibited for parking, temporary parking is permitted. Temporary parking should be close to the right side of the road, the motor vehicle driver must not leave the vehicle, and after boarding or alighting passengers or loading or unloading items, they should immediately drive away. It must not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians.

4. Measures to prevent "dooring" accidents from the perspective of a safety engineer

(1) Commercial vehicle owners

1. When parking, keep the vehicle as close to the roadside as possible to prevent electric bicycles from passing on the right. Use the child lock function to control passengers from opening doors arbitrarily.

2. Choose vehicles with alarm, delay, and anti-collision functions.

3. Try to park within marked parking spaces.

4. After the vehicle has come to a complete stop, turn on the hazard warning lights, observe the situation behind the vehicle through the rearview mirror, and promptly take relevant protective actions.

5. Promptly remind and correct passengers' actions and behaviors when getting off the vehicle.

(II) Passengers

1. Proactively learn and use the "Dutch Reach" method and the "two-stage door opening" method. The former involves opening the car door with the hand farthest from the door. The latter involves not opening the door fully at once, but first opening it a small crack to confirm safety before pushing it open.

2. Insist on getting off from the right side.

(III) Pedestrians and cyclists

1. Adhere to non-motorized vehicle lanes and the principle of keeping to the right side of the road.

2. Stay focused, avoid being a "phone addict," and maintain a safe lateral distance from vehicles. When passing parked cars, always observe carefully, use a bell to alert others before proceeding, keep a safe distance from car doors, control your speed, and leave a 50-centimeter gap.

3. Always be prepared to brake suddenly, and develop the ability to identify and anticipate common safety hazards such as "dooring" and "blind spot surprises."

4. Life is precious; slow down to ensure safety. Whether you are a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, respect life, follow the rules, internalize traffic safety awareness, and put it into practice. Moreover, "know the dangers and learn to avoid them," shifting from "I want safety" to "I will be safe," to protect yourself. Let us work together to safeguard traffic safety and create a harmonious and orderly traffic environment.

Motto: The wise are precise in law, the enlightened value teachers. With a selfless spirit, pursue profound expertise in the craft.

Li Zuolin, a member of the Communist Party of China, lawyer license number: 14403202110325450. Specializes in criminal defense and safety production management. Since 2000, has worked at a government-affiliated institution in Shenzhen. Over 20 years of work experience in Shenzhen has accumulated extensive social connections and a good reputation. Proficient in corporate criminal crime prevention, safety production management, as well as administrative disputes, civil compensation, and other legal matters. Currently serves as a perennial legal advisor for multiple companies.