Highway code change re opening car doors from inside the vehicle

[FROSTYBALLS]

In the UK, when exiting a vehicle people should use a technique called 'Dutch Reach' - using the hand furthest away from the door to open the door. Drivers to use their left hand to operate the door handle and passengers their right hand. See:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/thousands-of-drivers-unaware-of-important-new-highway-code-rule-change-to-be-introduced/ar-AAP06Fx?ocid=mmx&PC=EMMX01

[MobiusRift]

1 hour ago, FROSTYBALLS said:

In the UK, when exiting a vehicle people should use a technique called 'Dutch Reach' - using the hand furthest away from the door to open the door. Drivers to use their left hand to operate the door handle and passengers their right hand. See:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/thousands-of-drivers-unaware-of-important-new-highway-code-rule-change-to-be-introduced/ar-AAP06Fx?ocid=mmx&PC=EMMX01

About time, a simple change that could save a life.

[Yugguy1970]

Why is it called the Dutch Reach?  Do you have to break wind while you're doing it?

[Roy124]

The relevant Rule is 239, in particular :

"

• you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door. Check for cyclists or other traffic
• it is safer for your passengers (especially children) to get out of the vehicle on the side next to the kerb" 

The only rule is you must not hit anyone, how you achieve that is up to you.  Many people, and I include policemen are physically incapable of a Dutch reach; their arms are too short to reach across. (if you see what I mean😁) 

[Yugguy1970]

Can't I just look in my mirror, like I do anyway if I am parked on a busy road?  Not sure a missive from the government that 99% of people will have never heard of, is going to change much.

[Roy124]

Yugguy1970, indeed, are those that forget to look going to remember to turn and look? 

As a cyclist when I see someone in a car I expect them to open the door. Indeed even as a driver passing parked cars I take the same care. 

[Catlover]

12 minutes ago, Yugguy1970 said:

Can't I just look in my mirror, like I do anyway if I am parked on a busy road?  Not sure a missive from the government that 99% of people will have never heard of, is going to change much.

There is usually a blind spot when using mirrors. Thats the reason Toyota have blind spot monitoring.  When I was trained by police motorcysclists it wasdrummed into us about doing shoulder checks (over right shoulder) before moving out. I still tend to that driving my car.

[FROSTYBALLS]

52 minutes ago, Roy124 said:

The relevant Rule is 239

Which is the current rule rather than the revised rule.

2 hours ago, Yugguy1970 said:

Why is it called the Dutch Reach?

From The AA website:

"The Dutch Reach is a safety technique for motorists that’s been in use in the Netherlands since at least the 1970s.

Its aim is to stop cyclists (and pedestrians) from being hit by car doors as they pass parked cars.

The method involves opening the car door from the inside with the hand furthest from the handle. That gives you a chance to check your mirrors and blind spot for passing people or cars."

[MyOpinionIsWorthless]

1 hour ago, Catlover said:

There is usually a blind spot when using mirrors. Thats the reason Toyota have blind spot monitoring.  When I was trained by police motorcysclists it wasdrummed into us about doing shoulder checks (over right shoulder) before moving out. I still tend to that driving my car.

A technique called the “lifesaver” I still use that today even though I don’t ride anymore 

[Roy124]

Frosty, as the Highway Code was updated on 14 Sep 21 when would you expect an updated version? 

[FROSTYBALLS]

As far as I'm aware they're still working through a consultation exercise carried out earlier this year, changes have to be approved by Parliament, etc. Originally the committment was to publish the revised code by March 2022.

[Roy124]

I think at best it can only be a recommendation.  I hinted at the reason earlier but to be more pointed, some people are so far that they are pressed against the steering wheel and physically unable to do that manoeuvre.  I include a police driver in that.

There will be others with disabilities that make it difficult too.

[Bernard Foy]

14 hours ago, FROSTYBALLS said:

In the UK, when exiting a vehicle people should use a technique called 'Dutch Reach' - using the hand furthest away from the door to open the door. Drivers to use their left hand to operate the door handle and passengers their right hand. See:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/thousands-of-drivers-unaware-of-important-new-highway-code-rule-change-to-be-introduced/ar-AAP06Fx?ocid=mmx&PC=EMMX01

Yes I’ve heard of that many years ago, and it can give you a vision of the blind spot. However it is so difficult to break the habits of a lifetime. When the seat belt law came out first it took a long time for people to get us to strapping in, and a few reminders from the police. Nowadays I belt up without even thinking about it.