Drivers in the UK will be required to apply the so-called Dutch grip when opening car doors from Saturday, reports BBC News Wednesday. Anyone who refuses to open the car door with the furthest hand when getting out of the car risks a fine of 1,000 pounds (about 1,200 euros).
The rules will be included in the Highway Code with rules for road users on Saturdays. It is not known whether the rule also applies to car passengers.
Before the entry of the Dutch grip (Dutch reach) has been campaigned for for years. This grip makes it easy for the rider to get out of the car to look over their shoulder to see if other road users, such as cyclists, are approaching.
Opening the car door with your hand farthest from it will make your head and shoulders turn towards the door. You look out faster this way before you open the door.
The driver and front seat passenger also have an earlier view of the rearview mirror when using the handles. This also allows them to see other road users approaching from behind more quickly.
Activist Jeff Boulton lauds that Britain is now enforcing the rules. He lost his son in a road accident in 2016. “Like most people, we knew nothing about the Dutch hold until Sam was killed,” he said. BBC News“If we had changed the rules 55 years ago when the Dutch came up with this, Sam would have been alive.”
Cycling UK is also pleased with the amendments to the traffic rules. The cyclist’s organization said that although Britain was unfamiliar with the Dutch grip, the method was easy to learn and could save lives.
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