The "Dutch Reach" and parallel parking safety!

[Crissa]

This is interesting: https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/dutch-reach

We all know that doors and entering traffic can be deadly to bikes, heck we've all seen videos of someone plowing through a popped open door with their Tesla on Wham Baam, right?

The Automobile Association in the UK is promoting what they call the 'Dutch Reach'. Basically, when you open your door, make sure to use you arm furthest from the door to actually open it. This means your body twists and you can a better view of what's around before the door opens.

And interestingly, it also means you have your near hand to keep the door from hitting a nearby car when you're parked next to other cars when not stepping into traffic!

And you know what they all say about habits: do it enough and it just becomes the way you do it.

-Crissa

 

[tidmutt]

I had never heard of this, makes a lot of sense... here is a video... Actual instruction starts at time index 1:02.

 

[CyberGus]

I thought "dutch reach" meant something completely different

 

[CyberGus]

This would be an excellent use-case for the FSD computer: if it predicts that opening a door will likely result in a collision, it can refuse to obey the button, while sounding an alert and displaying the reason on the main screen.

 

[Crissa]

This would be an excellent use-case for the FSD computer: if it predicts that opening a door will likely result in a collision, it can refuse to obey the button, while sounding an alert and displaying the reason on the main screen.

Yeah, I have blind spot monitoring, but it turns off when the car is off, but if it worked when I touched the door handle to warn, it'd be great.

-Crissa

 

[Love2Cyber]

I've been the beneficiary of a dutch reach around before - definitely makes for a less painful experience / more should be educated on the technique.

 

[Dutch]

One of the first things you learn in The Netherlands with Drivers Ed (which is not given in schools).

 

[tidmutt]

I thought "dutch reach" meant something completely different

yeah, me too. I'm disappointed.

 

[SparkChaser]

I've been the beneficiary of a dutch reach around before - definitely makes for a less painful experience / more should be educated on the technique.

Nothing like a little Dutch Rudder.

 

[Bill837]

Like properly adjusted mirrors (if you can see your fenders, they are not) it can take a while to adjust. I fought off and on for three years before I finally got over it. Luckily I taught my kids this early, like driving a stick

 

[CYBRSMTH]

I thought "dutch reach" meant something completely different

Better than a “Dutch oven”? ??

How did the Dutch get all of these phrases named after them?

 

[SlegMD]

My shoulders are too broad for this maneuver

 

[Sirfun]

Better than a “Dutch oven”? ??

How did the Dutch get all of these phrases named after them?

I would think this is because Amsterdam is the most bike friendly city in the world. And this is about looking out for safety of bicylists.

 

[Rutrow]

And you know what they all say about habits: do it enough and it just becomes the way you do it.

-Crissa

Brilliant!!! Thanks Crissa. This is one of those simple, "why didn't I think of this" ideas. Car interior designers can make this the default way of opening your car door with a redesign of interior door latches and handles. Make it the easiest way to operate the door and everyone will be doing it.

 

[Dusty]

Better than a “Dutch oven”? ??

How did the Dutch get all of these phrases named after them?

I combine it for the Dutch Oven and Reach. I just hold the door lock button with the far hand, roll to one cheek, and "fill the void"... That way no one can unlock and open their door.

The Dutch are truly amazing.