Ten facts about the Dutch reach
1. Using the hand that’s further away from the door makes you twist your body and turn your head towards the side mirror.
2. It makes it easy to look out and back over your shoulder through the side window. (Conversely, using the closer hand keeps your shoulder beside the window and impairs the twisting movement you need to see behind you.)
3. If you open the door a slight way at first, you get a good view of what’s behind you.
4. Stretching your opposite arm to grab the door release mechanism makes it easier to push the door only a slight way open at first and makes it less likely you’ll suddenly swing the door open.
5. This slight door movement can warn cyclists, giving them time and space to react.
6. If you keep your closer hand gripping the door handle, you can pull the door closed faster at any point.
7. The Dutch reach works in the front and back of the car and compensates for the rear seat passengers’ lack of a side mirror.
8. Using the opposite hand means you will get out of the car facing backwards, so you’ll have a better view of the approaching traffic than if you’re facing forwards or side on.
9. Regular use of the Dutch reach will make it second nature.
10. Replace one unthinking habit with another habit that is much safer.