What should you do before opening your car door?

Before opening your car door, the best practice is to check for oncoming traffic or cyclists. This is essential for safety, as doors can swing open into the paths of moving vehicles or bicycles, potentially causing an accident or injury. By looking for any approaching traffic, you allow for a safer exit from the vehicle.

While waiting for a pedestrian to pass can be considerate, it does not address the broader concern of vehicle and cyclist safety. Opening the door quickly, without checking for incoming traffic, places the individual and others at risk. Simply looking inside the vehicle is not sufficient, as it does not account for external factors that could lead to dangerous situations. Thus, checking for oncoming traffic or cyclists directly promotes responsible and safe behavior when entering or exiting a vehicle.