Suicide Doors: Why Are They Called That?

Suicide doors, a distinctive feature of some vintage cars, have a name as intriguing as their design. Originating from a time before modern safety standards, these rear-hinged doors are steeped in automotive history and physics. The moniker “suicide doors” reflects the potential hazard they pose when opened at high speeds or accidentally, due to their design and the absence of seat belts. In this guide we will find out why they’re called suicide doors, exploring their design and the risks associated with them.

Why Are They Called Suicide Doors?

The term “suicide doors” refers to car doors that are hinged at the rear rather than the front, opening from the leading edge. This design contrasts with the more common front-hinged doors and has earned a somewhat morbid nickname due to the additional safety risks it historically presented.

Reasons they are called suicide doors:

1. Safety Risks When Opening: If one of these doors were to be opened while the car was moving, the airflow would catch the door, potentially pulling it fully open. This could lead to passengers being ejected from the moving vehicle, especially in the days before seat belts were standard.

2. Difficult to Close from Inside: The rearward hinge design makes these doors more challenging to close from inside the car. This could potentially lead to doors being accidentally left ajar, increasing the risk of them opening while driving.

3. Increased Accident Risk in Traffic: Exiting and entering the vehicle is more hazardous with suicide doors, especially when parked on the street side. The door opens toward the oncoming traffic, which can be dangerous in busy areas, as it increases the risk of the door being hit by passing vehicles.

The design was originally implemented for aesthetic and accessibility reasons, offering a more dramatic opening and easier access to the rear seats in larger vehicles. However, the potential hazards led to the grim nickname. Despite the risks, this style of door has seen a resurgence in some modern luxury vehicles, where they add a touch of elegance, and the safety issues are mitigated by advanced technology like automatic locking mechanisms that prevent the doors from opening while the vehicle is in motion.

Different Types of Suicide Doors

Suicide doors, known for their rear-hinge design, come in several variations, each offering a unique approach to car entry and exit. Here’s a look at different types of suicide doors:

1. Standard Suicide Doors

These are the basic form of suicide doors where the hinges are located on the rear edge of the door, allowing it to open from the front. This design was commonly found in older vehicles and is often associated with classic luxury cars.

2. Coach Doors

Also referred to as “coach doors,” these are essentially suicide doors that are used in pairs, without a central B-pillar. This setup allows for a wide opening, making it easier to access the interior, particularly the rear seats. Rolls-Royce is well-known for using coach doors on some of their luxury models.

3. Freestyle Doors

These doors are found on some extended cab trucks and small cars. The rear suicide door cannot be opened unless the front door is opened first, providing structural integrity while still allowing easier access to the back seats. The Mazda RX-8 featured this type of door design.

4. Suicide Scissor Doors

A rare variation, these doors combine the rear-hinge mechanism with a scissor action, allowing the door to open both upwards and outwards. This type is more for show and can be seen on some custom or high-end luxury cars where conventional doors might be impractical due to design constraints.

5. Hidden Suicide Doors

Some cars incorporate a suicide door setup without the typical visible door handles, giving the car a sleeker look with seamless lines. These doors usually rely on electronic mechanisms for opening and can be seen in modern car designs that emphasize minimalism and smooth contours.

How Are Suicide Doors Legal?

Popular Cars With Suicide Doors

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are suicide doors known for their safety risks?

In the past, suicide doors were considered dangerous due to their aerodynamic properties. At high speeds, an unlocked door could swing wide open, potentially causing passengers to be ejected from the vehicle. This, along with the absence of seat belts in older vehicles, contributed to their safety risk perception.

What makes suicide doors appealing despite their past safety concerns?

Today, suicide doors are typically found in luxury vehicles like the BMW i3, Lincoln Continental, and Rolls-Royce Dawn. They offer a unique aesthetic appeal and functionality, providing a wider entry space and exclusivity, while improved locking mechanisms and crash tests enhance passenger safety.

Are suicide doors illegal in modern vehicles?

Contrary to popular belief, suicide doors are not illegal in modern cars. They are, however, quite rare due to their controversial past. Modern vehicles with suicide doors typically incorporate advanced safety features to mitigate past concerns.

Why are suicide doors referred to as butterfly doors?

The terms “suicide doors” and “butterfly doors” are often used interchangeably, though they are different. The term “butterfly doors” originated from the design’s potential to cause accidental ejections in moving vehicles, similar to how a butterfly can be easily swept away by the wind.

How have suicide doors evolved over time?

Modern auto manufacturers, like BMW, Lincoln, and Rolls-Royce, have reintroduced suicide doors in their models by incorporating advanced safety features. These features, combined with rigorous crash tests, seek to address past safety issues, infusing these doors with contemporary safety standards and consumer needs.