Have you heard of the Dutch Reach?

A method of opening the car door which is considered safer than traditional methods. It’s called the Dutch Reach because it originated in the Netherlands but a since spread to numerous countries, including the UK, and it’s something we should all really be looking at adopting.

The idea of the Dutch Reach is opening a car door by reaching over with your opposite hand to normal. The reason we do this is because it forces the body to twist and therefore allows you to look into the blind spot before opening the door.

So if you’re sat in your left hand drive Spanish registered vehicle for example, and you’re in the driver’s seat, you use your right hand so reach with your right arm across your body to open the door on the left-hand side rather than your left hand which you might traditionally do. In doing so this means your body twists to the left and therefore is easier for you to look into your blind spot before opening the door.

Blind spots pose a big problem as many drivers don’t even realise they exist. The mirrors do give some coverage behind the vehicle but not completely. Your peripheral vision is the same, it gives you some visibility but not completely. You really must turn your head and look into the areas not covered by normal vision.

Other road users should also avoid being in blind spots wherever possible. In Spain there is a road sign which attaches to some vehicles with reduced visibility such as trucks, buses, vans, etc., warning in particular the most vulnerable road users that the driver cannot see certain positions around the vehicle.

And although not completely accurate there is a guide you can use in that if you cannot see the vehicles mirrors the driver of that vehicle cannot see you.

Blind spots pose a major risk to all road users but in particular the more vulnerable. We all have a responsibility to look and avoid the risk involved.