What is the Dutch Reach car door opening method?

DRIVER and passengers need to be alert around when opening the car door.

Dutch Reach is a simple technique to ensure that doors are being opened as securely as possible.

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What is the Dutch Reach Method?

The The Dutch Approach is a safe way to open your car door from the inside.

It ensures everyone is checking all surroundings and blind spots before opening the door.

This method was first used in the Netherlands in the 1970s and has been adopted in other countries since then.

It involves you reaching your arm furthest from the door to open it.

For example, the driver will use the left hand and the front passenger will use the right hand.

This forces the body of the vehicle to rotate and check that it is safe to open the door without the risk of hitting pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles.

Why is it recommended?

Highway Code Rule 239 as amended for 2022 recommends drivers and passengers use this method in the future when possible.

It says: “If you are able to do so, you should open the door with the hand on the opposite side of the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open the right-hand door.

“This will cause you to turn your head to look over your shoulder. Then you’re more likely to avoid injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road or people on the sidewalk.”

It is recommended that all passengers in the vehicle also use this method because they have the same risk of causing an accident as the driver.

Can I be fined when a cyclist has a car door?

Duration “dooring” is when the driver or passenger in a car hits a cyclist’s door when opening the door.

It is a punishable offense and the violator can be fined up to £1,000 but no points can be added to their driver’s license.