Over-reaction?
 

I don't know about you folks in the States, but here in Toronto an ad on tv has been running from Hyundai Canada that really burnes my britches. It shows a car travelling along suburban roads, a freeway and downtown streets inching along like it's stuck in traffic with the driver wearing this goofy self-contended grin and then he finally parks at a curb-side spot. As it stops, the rest of the traffic suddenly appears and the announcer says something to the effect that their cars are so comfy it's like you're the only one on the road. But as the driver exits the vehicle, he steps right into the path of a cyclist who visibly veers around him. He neither checked his mirror nor seems in the least ways aware of the near accident he caused. He is, of course, is oblivious and, flipping his keys without a care in the world, continues on his merry way.

Now, I know that dooring is an offence according to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and The Toronto Police Service even (allegedly) targeted offending motorists this past summer for such infractions. Should Hyundai Canada be liable for promoting dangerous and reckless behaviour? Should they be reprimanded for visibly contravening the highway traffic act? Should they even respond to the letter I sent them about their gross misconduct or am I way over-reacting to their arrogant and self-righteous attitude?

Personally I think you are overreacting a bit. Considering the traffic is invisible for the majority of the commercial, it is obviously not based in reality in the first place.

-D

I think your reaction just shows the point the commercial was trying to make. Really thinking you are the only vehicle on the road would not be all good. They could have had the driver get hit by a truck, but that would have been too creepy for someone trying to sell cars. I would be flattered that they showed a cyclist as a hazard to be considered. If I was making a public service announcement video trying to get drivers to be careful not to door cyclists, wouldn't I put the same scene in it?

Over-reaction?

Yes.

pretty much.

Avoidance of being doored is up to the cyclist - dont ride in the door zone.