Experts have issued a warning to drivers about fines they face for not opening their doors in a certain way, with the AA calling on motorists to be more aware of their surroundings.
According to data from the Government, 373 cyclists and motorcyclists were injured by car occupants opening their doors without looking in 2022.
This did represent a decrease compared to previous years, experts are still warning that the tally is too high and needs to be addressed.
Two years ago, major updates were introduced to the Highway Code to make drivers more aware of their responsibility on the road compared to smaller modes of transport, including cyclists and pedestrians.
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Drivers are encouraged to follow the Highway Code and use the Dutch Reach method
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As part of the “hierarchy of road users”, larger vehicles like HGVs, buses and vans were given the most responsibility for their actions on the road.
One of the tips for drivers to follow was the introduction of the “Dutch Reach” method to ensure they spot motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians coming towards them.
This method involves people using their opposite hand to open the car door to give them a better view of the road or pavement behind them.
By turning to open the door, they will have a greater field of vision to the side and behind them by being able to see over their shoulder.
The method has been used in the Netherlands since the 1970s and gives drivers the chance to view their mirrors and blind spots before opening the door.
Research from the AA found that 89 per cent of drivers agreed it was “sometimes hard to see cyclists”.
Despite this, less than 20 per cent of survey respondents admitted they were unaware of the Dutch Reach, while around 43 per cent knew what it was but did not use it.
Rule 163 of the Highway Code states that drivers should “leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds”.
While the Highway Code is not law and drivers cannot be fined for not obeying its rules, many of the instructions are backed by legal standing.
Drivers can be slapped with punishments if they open a car door, or permit it to be opened, causing an injury to a cyclist or pedestrian.
This could see them hit with a fine worth up to £1,000, prompting experts to remind drivers of the Dutch Reach method to protect other road users.
The AA is urging drivers to ensure they are behaving properly on the road through the “Think Bikes” campaign, which is now in its 10th year.
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The Dutch Reach method gives drivers a better view behind them
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Chris Boardman, Olympian and world cycling champion, said: “It’s hard to believe the Think Bike sticker campaign launched 10 years ago, and I was there when that happened.
“The idea to make drivers just a little bit more aware of the vulnerable road users around them. Really glad to see that the AA is reinvigorating the campaign and I’ll be glad to join in and help.”
Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
