In the Netherlands everyone opens their door in this strange way - when the reason is revealed, you will do exactly the same!

Have you heard of the Dutch Reach? Does that sound familiar?

If not, you're probably not alone. The Dutch Reach probably saved many lives - especially in the Netherlands.

It is a technique used to prevent accidents while opening the car door. You may think it sounds complicated. But trust us - it couldn't be simpler.

Cyclists who get hurt by someone that opens his car door is the most common type of accident among cyclists, especially in large cities.

This is a global problem - in 2011 the Daily Mail reported that about 1,000 cyclists are injured every year in England alone because of such accidents.

In the Netherlands, they have invented the smartest method to prevent such accidents, and call it the 'Dutch Reach' method.

The technique is very simple and in fact all you have to do is reach out and open the door with it. In fact, don't open the door with the hand you would normally open with - use the other hand. This may sound ridiculous to you, but it forces you to look over your shoulder as you open the door and it makes you more aware if a cyclist is riding in your direction.

In the Netherlands this is part of the driving lessons, and of course the test.