Tuesday, January 24, 2017

The Dutch Reach

Do you practice the Dutch Reach?

I learned about the Reach from the podcast 99% Invisible. For a long time, I’ve turned and checked for cyclists (not to mention cars) when opening a car door onto traffic. But the Dutch Reach — using the far hand — makes checking for cyclists second nature.

Another suggestion for safe driving: use hazard lights when highway traffic slows.

comments: 4

The Crow said...

I didn't know about the Dutch Reach, but I started using flashers when traffic was stopped when I started driving here in hilly Pennsylvania. I also stopped at least two car-lengths behind the last in line, just in case I was rear-ended, and turned my front wheels slightly to the right to avoid rear-ending the car in front of me, should that happen.

Didn't want to be the middle of a car sandwich, you see.

Michael Leddy said...

I never thought of turning the wheel. But if there’s traffic to the right, you could risk hitting a car right in the driver’s door, no?

The Crow said...

Only turn the wheel right when there is no traffic to my right.

Fortunately, I've never had to find out whether any of those maneuvers work. I would err on saving others' lives, anyway. Seems the right thing to do.

Michael Leddy said...

Yes. You have me thinking of “Phantom 309” now. :)