DRIVERS and passengers need to be wary of their surroundings when opening a car door.
The Dutch Reach is a simple technique to make sure doors are being opened as safely as possible.
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What is the Dutch Reach method?
The Dutch Reach method is a safe way of opening your car door from the inside.
It makes sure people are checking all of their surroundings and blind spots before opening the door.
The method was first used in the Netherlands in the 1970s and has been adopted in other countries since.
It involves you reaching across with your arm furthest away from the door to open it.
For example, drivers would use their left hand and passengers in the front would use their right.
This forces the body to swivel round and check that it is safe to open the door without potential hitting a pedestrian, cyclist or other vehicles.
Why is it recommended?
Rule 239 of the revised Highway Code for 2022 recommends drivers and its passengers use this method in the future when able to do so.
It says: “Where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side.
“This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder. You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement”
It is recommended that all passengers in a car also use this method as they are at just as much risk as a driver to cause an accident.
Can I get fined for a cyclist with a car door?
The term “dooring” is when a driver or a passenger of a car hits a cyclist with their car door when opening it.
It is a punishable offence and the offender can get fined up to £1,000 but no points can be added to their drivers licence.
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