My husband sustained four facial fractures because of a motorist who abruptly opened the door of his car without looking around in Bandra East. After my husband’s bike collided with the door, the driver fled, Shivaji Vishnu Yelkar`s wife, Asha Yelkar, told mid-day. Shivaji, a resident of Santacruz East and a sweeping contractor, is convalescing at Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle. The Kherwadi police have registered an FIR against the unknown driver and are tracing the accused.
Narrating what had occurred on the day of the incident, Asha said, “My husband was seriously injured and could have died. He was riding to the Railway Colony in Bandra East on October 1 when, around 11.30 am, his two-wheeler collided with the open car door. He fell and was seriously injured. Two of his teeth broke while his jaw, nose, and cheeks were fractured. His eyes were narrowly saved. The doctor told us they will perform jaw surgery. Shivaji is not able to speak properly or eat anything,” explained.
“The accused pretended to help initially and, with someone’s assistance, took my husband near Gurunanak Hospital. But midway, he fled. The accused should be given the strictest punishment. My husband was riding his bike within the speed limit, but the driver opened the door without checking if any vehicle was approaching from the rear.”
A police officer said, “We have registered an FIR against the unknown car driver for negligence resulting in injuries to Shivaji Yelkar. We are checking footage captured by CCTV cameras to trace the accused.”
The Dutch Reach
This is a proven safety method for exiting a parked car where one uses the hand furthest from the door to open it, forcing one to twist their body and look over their shoulder for cyclists, pedestrians, and other oncoming traffic. By automatically turning one’s upper body, this simple action helps prevent dangerous collisions, known as “dooring”, with vulnerable road users, making it a life-saving habit for both drivers and passengers. You can also check the upper and side mirrors before opening the door.
