Drivers urged to use 'Dutch Reach' technique to avoid dangerous mistake
Motorists are being encouraged to embrace the 'Dutch Reach', a method of opening car doors that could dramatically slash the risk of accidents. The Dutch Reach is a manoeuvre that involves using the hand furthest from the door to open it, thereby naturally prompting drivers to glance over their shoulder and check for any oncoming traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians before swinging the door wide.
This technique not only minimises the chance of causing an unexpected obstruction but also aligns with the guidance provided in Rule 239 of the Highway Code regarding the safe operation of vehicles when parked.
Rule 239 suggests: "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."
It continues: "You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement."
£1,000 fine for not safely opening a door
Experts at car leasing website LeaseLoco also caution that individuals could face a fine for carelessly opening their door.
'Dooring' a cyclist can be deemed a criminal offence which carries a penalty of up to £1,000, particularly if it leads to a severe accident.
Dooring poses significant dangers, and for cyclists, the hazards are amplified with recent figures showing that in one year, there were 248 accidents caused by a vehicle door being opened or closed.
Of these incidents, 69 led to fatal or serious injuries. John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, said: "People forget that the "Dutch Reach" rule isn't just a suggestion - there is a reason why it's in the Highway Code.
"The safety technique actually came from the Netherlands, hence the name, and it's there to make sure cyclists and pedestrians remain safe and to prevent drivers from 'dooring' them and causing serious harm.
"For cyclists, colliding with a car door while cycling at 15 to 20mph can cause a serious injury and, unfortunately, even result in death in some cases. That's why it's so important for us to check that the coast is clear before getting out of our vehicles.
"It's such a simple technique and one that needs to be taken much more seriously to help prevent injuries."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Daily Record
Parents warned of car seat mistake which could land them with £500 fine
Drivers should make sure they are familiar with the rules of travelling with children. Drivers travelling with children in the car this summer are being warned to avoid making a simple mistake which could land them with a hefty fine. While parents, grandparents and other carers have plenty to remember ahead of their road trips, many will forget - or choose to ignore for short drives - the simple car seat rules for children. If a child under the age of 14 is not safely secured in a vehicle or is caught using an unsuitable or incorrectly fitted car seat, the driver can be fined up to £500. Gerry Bucke, general manager of Adrian Flux, a specialist motor insurance broker, said: 'Children will be driven around by all sorts of people during the school holidays this summer. There's a lot to remember and pack, especially on outings, and we all know people who forget a car seat or think they'll get away without using one. "Boots and back seats are packed with suitcases and things for the beach and that can see people taking shortcuts with car seats so they can just get on the road and get there as quickly as possible. It's never worth taking that gamble from a safety point of view but it can also make an expensive time of the year even more costly if you're stopped and fined.' Rule 100 of the Highway Code states that children MUST use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 1.35m (approximately 4ft 5in) tall, whichever comes first. Other laws that need adhering to include babies being in a rear-facing seat, a child not being placed in a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, and making sure all restraints are properly fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Any offence is likely to carry a £100 on-the-spot fine, which could be increased to £500 if a driver challenges the punishment. Gerry added: 'ISOFIX has made using car seats a lot easier since it became mandatory in 2013 for all new cars made in the UK. But not all cars have them. So it's just about ensuring the seat is used as it should be and every step is taken to protect all passengers, especially the youngest and most vulnerable.' There are exceptions to the law when travelling in taxis, minicabs, and Ubers, but safety experts suggest using your own car seat, where possible, for those trips.
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Leicester: Car door awareness ride keeps memory of son alive
The family of a cyclist who died after being "car-doored" say an annual cycling event in his memory "keeps him alive".Sam Boulton died on his 26th birthday after he was knocked into the path of a moving van by a taxi door in London Road, Leicester, in July annual Ride for Sam event, which takes place on Saturday, raises awareness of the Sam Says campaign to educate drivers about safely opening car doors using the "Dutch Reach" father, Jeff Boulton, 60, told the BBC: "I know if [The Dutch Reach] had been adopted here, some would be alive today - it's such a simple thing." The safety technique, introduced in the Netherlands more than 50 years ago, was a response to deaths and accidents caused by doors being suddenly opened on method involves opening the door with the hand furthest from the handle, which means it is easier for the passenger or driver to look over their shoulder and check the side mirror for the Netherlands it is taught to children at school and is part of the driving campaigning by Sam Says, the Highway Code now includes guidance on the "Dutch Reach".Jeff, from Wigston in Leicestershire, said he would like to see the method taught to learner drivers in the UK. He described his son, who was a teacher in Coalville, Leicestershire, as a "very relaxed" and "witty" person."He was just a relaxed man. Nothing fazed him," Jeff added."He just knew which route he was going in life."The Ride for Sam event starts from the Curve Theatre from 18:00 BST and has been held annually since the year of Sam's route is likely to include Melton Road and Loughborough Road, Jeff culminates with a bike lift, where riders hold their bike above their heads, to commemorate Sam's life.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
The common 'polite' habit that could land drivers a £1,000 fine
Motorists could be slapped with a hefty fine if they're caught performing an action on the road that many deem to be considerate and polite. This is because it can be observed by police as intimidating behaviour and even an obstruction of an officer's duty. The habit is one that drivers commonly perform on a daily basis during journeys but are likely unaware of the ramifications it carries. That's because incorrect use of your vehicle's lights can carry a steep fine of as much as £1,000. Flashing your car's headlights at another motorist for anything other than letting other road users know of your presence is illegal under rules in the Highway Code. And if police catch you doing it to warn oncoming motorists of a speed camera or officers at the roadside with speed guns, this gesture could land you in very hot water. It's a common practice for motorists to warn others of upcoming speed traps in a courteous act to save them receiving a speeding fine and points on their licence. But this gesture is in breach of the Highway Code . Rule 110 and 111 of the driver's manual stipulates: 'Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.' While being caught in breach of this rule will not result in a criminal conviction, it can still be used as evidence in court if linked to a collision. Additionally, there's legislation that makes it illegal to warn drivers of speed checks that can carry more severe punishment. This is in violation of section 89 of the Police Act (1997), which involves 'wilfully obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty'. As such, drivers can be handed a criminal conviction and a maximum fine of £1,000. However, instances of driver's being punished for such action is extremely rare. In 2012, Lancashire Police issued fines to 20 motorists who had been caught flashing their headlights at drivers approaching speed checks as part of an operation on the Fylde Coast. The 20 drivers were given £30 fines for 'misuse of headlights'. PC Antony Gray, from the force's road policing unit, said the practice was 'exacerbating the problem' of speeding. The Drivers' Alliance at the time accused the constabulary of being 'petty' in targeting motorists who encourage other drivers to slow down. There have been very few reports of operations linked directly to headlight misuse since. However, it's worth asking yourself if it's worth taking the risk of being handed a fine to help others who could have been speeding and breaking the law in the first instance. The AA states that motorists should follow Highway Code instruction and only flash their car's headlights to let other road users know they're there.
