Motorists across the UK are being encouraged to adopt a simple but potentially life-saving technique known as the Dutch Reach to improve road safety, particularly for cyclists.
What is the Dutch Reach?
The Dutch Reach involves using your far hand (the hand furthest from the door) to open your car door. This simple action forces your body to turn naturally, giving you a better view of approaching cyclists and preventing dangerous 'dooring' incidents.
Why This Technique Matters
Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, often with catastrophic consequences. In the UK, hundreds of cyclists are injured each year in such incidents.
The Dutch Reach has been standard practice in the Netherlands for decades and is now gaining traction worldwide as an effective way to:
- Improve visibility of approaching cyclists
- Slow down the door-opening process
- Reduce serious cycling accidents
How to Master the Dutch Reach
Follow these simple steps to make the Dutch Reach second nature:
- Before opening your door, check your mirrors
- Reach across with your far hand (right hand for drivers, left for passengers)
- Turn your body naturally as you open the door
- Check again for approaching cyclists before exiting
Road safety experts emphasize that while the technique might feel unnatural at first, it quickly becomes habitual and could prevent serious accidents.
A Growing Safety Movement
The push for wider adoption of the Dutch Reach comes as part of broader efforts to make UK roads safer for cyclists. With cycling becoming increasingly popular for both commuting and exercise, such simple measures could significantly reduce accidents.
Some driving instructors have already begun incorporating the Dutch Reach into their lessons, hoping to instil the habit in new drivers from the beginning.
