Is anyone else surprised that you can't open the driver's door from the inside when it's locked? The xB is the first car I've had that treats the driver (as opposed to passengers) this way.

some cars are like this....some are not...

I've never noticed, since I don't lock the doors when I'm driving the car.

The safety hazard of unlocked doors opening during accidents went away when the door handles were recessed. The lock mechinism itself does nothing extra to hold the doors closed. Unless you're concerned about bad folks opening the doors while you are stopped there is little reason for adults to lock the doors while driving.