Friend does something dangerous, what do I say?

[LollipopChaos]

I go out occasionally with a friend who I like very dearly. We're both nearly 50. However she has this habit which scares me a bit. She doesn't drive so I always drive. But whenever we arrive at our destination she swings passenger door of car open to get out whilst the car is still moving to park up. It means that I have to finish driving with the door wide open to park properly. This puts extra stress on me to nail parking the car in a space in one attempt.

I feel it would be telling her off to say don't do it, but I just find it dangerous, not to mention the car starts beeping like crazy as a warning that the door is open!

How can I politely advise my friend to remain calm in seat with belt on until the car has come to a complete stop and the handbrake is safely on?

I think you actually have a legal duty to do this. Swinging doors on cars are really dangerous, as you say yourself. You are the one in charge of the car, and it's your responsibility to take charge of it, also.

You need to be the grown up here, OP. In this situation it's really not that hard - you've had various examples upthread of what to say.

Remember too that it's your responsibility, as she's a passenger in your vehicle, for which you are legally responsible to keep her safe as well as yourself and anybody outside your vehicle who may be affected by her foolish and selfish actions.

She damaged the boot of your previous(?) car. Don't give her any more chances to cause damage.

If you can't face telling her face to face how her actions are/likely impacting you, tell her in an email message. Don't faff but be clear that if she's not prepared to listen and act responsibly that, unfortunately, you won't be able to give her lifts any more.

Don't let this situation go on any longer. 🌹