Latest news with #DutchReach
BBC News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- 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 Mirror
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers urged to use 'Dutch Reach' technique to avoid dangerous mistake
The Dutch Reach is a simple technique for opening the car door that can significantly reduce the risk of an accident. And failing to do so can result in a hefty fine 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."
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Motorists aged 50 and over issued warning over Highway Code rules
Motorists aged 50 and over issued warning over Highway Code rules You could be putting the safety of yourself and other road users at risk by not knowing these updated rules. One in five drivers over the age of 50 admits that they have not revisited the Highway Code since passing their tests (Image: Getty ) UK drivers over the age of 50 are being urged to update themselves on the Highway Code as a number of rules have changed since they passed their tests. This could result in fines, points on the licence and even dangerous driving. The Highway Code is a set of rules and guidelines aimed at keeping all road users safe while out and about. A number of changes to the Code have been implemented in recent years, but experts have warned not enough people are aware of them. According to Age Co, which is owned by Age UK, one in five drivers over the age of 50 admit that they have not revisited the Highway Code since passing their tests. This could mean some motorists on the road are decades out of date with these important guidelines. As reported by LancashireLive, among the most commonly misunderstood rules is the Dutch Reach rule. It is one of 11 rules that were added to the Highway Code in 2022. The practice was previously common across Europe and encourages people to open vehicle doors with their opposite hand to avoid injuries to passing cyclists. This is because the movement forces their body to turn towards the back of the car, allowing them to see if any oncoming traffic is there. Many drivers are unaware of the Dutch Reach rule that was added to the code in 2022 (Image: Getty ) Article continues below Age Co said "almost half of the respondents said that they weren't sure about this one". Among the updates made in 2022, was one that stated drivers must leave at least 1.5 metres (five feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds. On its own, the Highway Code is not the law, many of its instructions are backed up by law and so have legal muscle behind them, the RAC says. Those points supported by the law are clearly identified in the document by wording like 'MUST', 'MUST NOT', rather than 'should' or 'should not'. Drivers must leave at least 1.5 metres (five feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph (Image: Getty ) Article continues below guidance states: "The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists." Age Co adds: "Understanding road safety rules and regulations help keep our roads safe, so it's important to refresh your knowledge regularly to stay up to date with the latest changes." To check the Highway Code rules online, you can visit
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Motorists over 50 given Highway Code warning over new rules
A number of changes to the Highway Code have been implemented in recent years, but experts have warned not enough people are aware of them. Motorists in the UK aged over 50 have been prompted to brush up on the Highway Code, as numerous updates have been made since they first passed their driving tests. Ignorance of these changes could lead to penalties, points on their licence, and even instances of dangerous driving. The Highway Code serves as a crucial framework of rules and advice designed to ensure the safety of all road users. Recent years have seen several amendments to the code, yet experts are raising concerns that many individuals remain uninformed about these revisions. Age Co, which is owned by Age UK, has revealed that one in five drivers over 50 confess to not having looked at the Highway Code since they obtained their driving licence. This suggests that a significant number of drivers could be navigating the roads with outdated knowledge of vital regulations. As reported by LancashireLive, one rule that is frequently misunderstood is the Dutch Reach technique, which was among the 11 new additions to the Highway Code in 2022. This method, already widespread in Europe, advocates for using the hand opposite the door being opened to prevent accidents involving passing cyclists. The action naturally causes the person to pivot towards the rear of the vehicle, giving them a chance to spot any approaching traffic. According to Age Co, "almost half of the respondents said that they weren't sure about this one". In the 2022 updates, it was also specified that drivers should maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 metres (five feet) when overtaking cyclists travelling at speeds up to 30mph, and allow even more room when surpassing at greater velocities. While the Highway Code itself isn't law, many of its directives are legally enforced, as noted by the RAC. The document highlights legal requirements with terms such as "MUST" and "MUST NOT", distinguishing them from mere recommendations indicated by "should" or "should not". Article continues below says: "The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists." Age Co emphasises the importance of staying informed. It said: "Understanding road safety rules and regulations help keep our roads safe, so it's important to refresh your knowledge regularly to stay up to date with the latest changes."
