All drivers and passengers in the UK have been warned about Highway Code rule changes to how they open their doors. A new rule has been put in place to protect cyclists.
Instead of blindly opening a door, the 'Dutch Reach' requires you to use the hand furthest the door to open it - if you're the one behind the wheel, you'd use your left hand, on the passenger side, you would use your right. READ MORE: New Highway Code rules have changed who gets priority at roundabouts Opening the door with the hand furthest away prompts a driver to turn their body towards the door and look over their shoulder as they go to leave their car.
The over-the-shoulder look as you reach for your door handle is a vital part of the method. By doing this, they will get sight of any cyclists or pedestrians passing by their car that they may have missed if they hadn't checked.
The new section under rule 239 will now read: "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.
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