The Highway Code is being updated later this month and, among its changes, there is a recommendation on how to open your car door.
The change on the waiting and parking section of the Highway Code will advise drivers on the best technique to open a vehicle’s door.
Commonly known as the ‘Dutch Reach’, the technique aims to encourage drivers to look over their shoulder and check for other road users when opening the door.
The new section under rule 239 will now read: “Where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side.
“This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder. You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motor cyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement.”
According to CyclingUK, every year more than 500 people across England, Wales and Scotland are injured because someone opens a car door into their path.
The organisation states that 35 per cent of drivers admit to not looking for cyclists before opening their car door.
Another change to the Highway Code this month could see drivers being fined £200.
Drivers who touch their mobile phone could face six points on their licence on top of the fine from January 29.
