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Question

Difficulty: EasyCyclists

You have parked your car along the roadside. Arrange the steps of the 'Dutch Reach' method in the correct chronological order to open your door safely without endangering approaching cyclists.

  1. 1Check your interior rear-view mirror and exterior wing mirrors for approaching traffic.
  2. 2Reach across your body using the hand furthest from the door to hold the door handle.
  3. 3Turn your head and upper body to look over your shoulder directly into your blind spot.
  4. 4Open the door slightly to make a final check before opening it fully to exit.

Answer

The correct chronological order is: check mirrors, reach across with the far hand, look over your shoulder into the blind spot, and open the door slightly before exiting.
According to Highway Code Rule 239, drivers should use the hand opposite the door (the Dutch Reach) to open it. This movement automatically turns the head and upper body over the shoulder, enabling a clear view of the blind spot for approaching cyclists. The correct sequence starts with checking mirrors, reaching with the opposite hand, checking the blind spot over the shoulder, and finally opening the door cautiously.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Perform an initial mirror sweep using both interior and driver-side mirrors.
Identifies approaching traffic and cyclists who are visible in standard mirror angles.
Mirrors establish early situational awareness before any physical door movement begins.
2
Grasp the door release handle using the hand furthest from the door.
Forces the upper torso to pivot naturally towards the window and rear quarter.
The Dutch Reach technique uses opposite-hand mechanics to facilitate a full shoulder check.
3
Look directly over your shoulder through the side window.
Covers the vehicle's blind spot completely.
Cyclists riding close to parked vehicles often sit directly in driver blind spots where mirrors cannot show them.
4
Unlatch the door and push it open slightly for a final visual confirmation.
Ensures the immediate roadway is clear before stepping out.
Preventing the door from swinging wide protects oncoming cyclists from direct collisions (car dooring).

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 239 and the Dutch Reach procedure for protecting cyclists from opened car doors
Estimated Time:45s
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Cyclists

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