The one known as “dooring” is the term that refers to the action of opening a car door without looking. As a result of this action, thousands of accidents occur annually around the world where a motorcycle or bicycle is usually the one that ends up hitting said door. Or “scattered” on the floors (in the best of cases), trying to avoid the impact.
BMW seems to have the solution to “dooring”
One of the latest innovations coming from the BMW Group R&D department is precisely related to this topic. The idea on which the new anti-dooring system, recently presented in the new iX3it is basically that the doors of the vehicle are blocked in case the detection systems alert of the presence of a motorcycle or bicycle near the vehicle at that precise moment.
This technology is in turn integrated into the new functions of the security system Symbiotic Drive used by the BMW range of vehicles. Thanks to the implementation of multiple lateral radar sensors, which monitor the peripheral area around the car in real time, it is possible to detect the presence of another user on the road at the controls, in this case, a two-wheeled vehicle.
New technologies that are not new
Pulling from the archives, specifically going to the 2020 season, we talked to you at the time about Ford Exit Warning, “the technology to avoid collisions with doors.” It took a little more than three years for the brand to finally implement this anti-dooring system in some vehicles in its model range. As defined by the Michigan firm, this technological display has been developed to:
“Help share the road and protect vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, scooter drivers and pedestrians”. For this “The exit warning system is designed to alert the driver before he opens the door.” If it is detected that a user approaching the car could be affected by opening the door, “The exit warning system will use audible and visual alerts to notify the driver through Ford SYNC, on the instrument panel and in the side mirror.”
BMW anti dooring system locks the door
The new generation of BMW Symbiotic Drive goes one step further in terms of preventing the aforementioned anti dooring. From the brand they explain that “According to the German Insurance Association, 8% of all bicycle accidents in Berlin in 2024 were related to this type of accident.”
While the Exit Warning System has been standard equipment on many BMW models for years, alerting drivers to potential dangers through audible and visual signals, the new feature is expanded as standard to include active door opening delay. Using side radars, the system continuously monitors the traffic area around the parked vehicle and detects approaching vehicles, bicycles or other road users.
“If a risk of collision is detected, the electronic door lock specifically delays the opening of the door until the danger has passed”they explain from BMW. For its part, Mihiar AyoubiSenior Vice President of Driving Experience Development at the BMW Group, said following the launch of its new anti-dooring system: “The broad implementation of our new standard active safety features is based on our Intelligent, Symbiotic and Safe philosophy.”
Concludes: “We integrate drivers and assistance systems into a cooperative system that works in harmony. At BMW, active safety functions operate as silent and intelligent companions in the background, discreet, but highly effective when needed most in critical situations.”
