The Dutch Reach: Protect Cyclists When Opening Your Car Door
When it comes to road safety, small actions can make a big difference. One of the simplest habits drivers and passengers can adopt is the Dutch Reach – a quick, easy technique that helps prevent ‘dooring’ accidents and keeps cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians safe.
What is the Dutch Reach?
The Dutch Reach is a method of opening your car door using the hand farthest from the door.
- Drivers use their left hand to open the door.
- Passengers use their right hand.
This small change naturally turns your body, prompting you to look over your shoulder for oncoming cyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians before exiting the vehicle. By doing so, you reduce the risk of a “dooring” accident – when a car door opens into the path of someone passing by.
Why the Dutch Reach Matters for Road Safety
“Dooring” incidents are more common than many realise and can cause serious injury to cyclists and motorcyclists. Most occur because someone opens a door without properly checking for approaching traffic.
The Dutch Reach builds a safety check into the act of opening your car door, making awareness a natural part of your routine. It’s a simple, low-effort change that can prevent accidents and even save lives.
How to Do the Dutch Reach
For Drivers:
Use your left hand to open the door.
This forces you to turn your shoulders and look behind before stepping out.
For Passengers:
Use your right hand to open the door on the left-hand side.
Again, this turn ensures you check for cyclists or pedestrians approaching from behind.
The Result:
A quick shoulder check that keeps everyone -drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians – safer on the road.
This simple change makes it easier to spot cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users.
The Dutch Reach in the UK
Originating in the Netherlands, where cycling is a major part of daily life, the Dutch Reach has helped significantly reduce dooring accidents. With cycling and motorbike use increasing across the UK, it’s a habit that benefits all road users.
In fact, the 2022 Highway Code update encourages UK drivers and passengers to adopt the Dutch Reach as part of its wider push to protect vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders.
How to Make the Dutch Reach a Habit
Building this safety habit only takes a few steps:
- Practice regularly so it becomes automatic.
- Remind passengers to use it too.
- Add a small sticker or reminder inside your car to prompt the habit.
- Share the tip with family and friends – it’s quick, free, and could save a life.
Final Thoughts
The Dutch Reach is a simple, cost-free action that can have a huge impact on road safety. By making this small adjustment every time you exit your vehicle, you help protect cyclists and pedestrians and play your part in creating safer roads across Northern Ireland and the UK.
How CRASH Services Can Help You After A Car Crash or Accident
At CRASH Services, we specialise in helping drivers in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry and across Northern Ireland get back on the road quickly.
After an accident, our expert team will take care of:
- vehicle recovery,
- collision investigation,
- organising repairs,
- providing a replacement vehicle,
- liaising with insurance companies and
- legal and medical
And we do it all, at no cost to the not-at-fault driver.
Our service is free as we recover the costs from the third-party insurers.
Why Choose CRASH Services?
- Established in 1996
- Trusted by Hundreds of Thousands Local Northern Ireland Motorists
- No Cost to You, Costs Recovered from Insurers
- Complete Accident Management from Recovery to Repairs
- 99% Customer Recommendation Rate
Our Mission is Simple:
“To act with care for those involved in road traffic accidents.”
Need Help After an Accident in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry or anywhere across Northern Ireland?
Call us today on 028 9066 0244 or Request a Callback Today
CRASH Services, take care of everything, at no cost to you!
