Taiwan Driver's Door Mishap: Elderly Motorcyclist Injured

A 78-year-old man in Changhua City, Taiwan, was struck by an opening car door, highlighting the importance of safe vehicle exit practices.

A traffic incident in Changhua City, Taiwan, on June 18th, involved a 78-year-old motorcyclist who was injured after colliding with a car door. The accident occurred on Chenggong Road when the driver of a small truck opened the door suddenly, without checking for oncoming traffic.

According to the Changhua Police Department, the motorcyclist was unable to avoid the door and was knocked to the ground. The elderly man was found lying motionless after the impact. Fortunately, passersby immediately came to his aid, shielding him from the hot pavement with cardboard and calling for emergency services.

Emergency responders arrived and provided assistance. The elderly man sustained minor injuries and, after initial assessment, declined transport to a hospital. He was deemed to be in stable condition with no life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the truck was cited by the police for failing to follow the "two-stage door opening" procedure, a safety measure that requires drivers to first partially open the door to check for approaching vehicles before fully opening it. The driver faces a fine between NT$2,400 and NT$4,800 under the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act. Police used the incident as a reminder of the importance of safe practices when exiting a vehicle, especially in high-traffic areas. They emphasized the need for drivers to always check for approaching traffic before opening doors, and recommended using the "Dutch reach" method, which involves using the hand furthest from the door to open it, forcing the driver to turn and look for potential hazards.