BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Cyclists are to be better protected in future from serious accidents caused by car doors being opened suddenly. The German government plans to make door warning systems mandatory in vehicles in order to prevent so-called "dooring" accidents, as reported by the "Rheinische Post" newspaper, citing the Ministry of Transport. "The federal government is treating this issue as a high priority," the newspaper quoted a spokeswoman for Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) as saying.
Cyclists "who ride close to parked vehicles" are particularly at risk, she added. "To prevent such accidents, the federal government plans to make assistance systems such as door opening warnings mandatory."
The General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) welcomed the plan. For years, it has been calling "for motor vehicles to be equipped with a door opening warning system and an automatic stop system," political director Caroline Lodemann told the newspaper.
A few weeks ago, the case of "Traumschiff" actress Wanda Perdelwitz caused a stir when she died after a "dooring" accident. According to the investigation, on September 28, a 28-year-old passenger opened the door of a stationary van from the inside in the Rotherbaum district of Hamburg – presumably without paying attention to bicycle traffic. The 41-year-old woman crashed into the door with her bicycle, was seriously injured, and later died in the hospital.
