Rethinking the "Dutch Reach" in Modern Vehicles

Two years ago, we produced a short video discussing the Dutch Reach and its relevance to modern vehicle design. At the time, it was largely a theoretical discussion of a technique being promoted internationally as a way to reduce "dooring" incidents involving cyclists.

Recently, however, we have noticed the Dutch Reach appearing in driver education messaging much closer to home. Vulnerable Road User courses in the ACT now teach drivers to open their car doors with their opposite hand and to look over their shoulders for approaching cyclists. This messaging, appearing in South Australia, was the reason behind the video.

Our earlier video explored the limitations of this technique in modern vehicles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixnVIrXF4aU&list=PLBUPiyBhzl_P7Zwe6p2in1q7cw6pDeR7a&index=18

The concept behind the Dutch Reach is straightforward. By opening the door with the opposite hand, drivers naturally rotate their bodies and are encouraged to look behind them. The technique has been promoted as a way to reduce "dooring" incidents — crashes that occur when a driver opens a car door into a cyclist's path. 

At first glance, this is a sensible safety measure. Encouraging drivers to check for cyclists before opening a door is clearly a positive goal. However, when we examine how modern vehicles are designed, the effectiveness of this advice becomes less certain.

The technique originated in the Netherlands in the mid-20th century, when vehicle design was very different from modern cars. Many vehicles had few or no external mirrors, thinner B-pillars, and much larger windows. Front seats also typically had very low seat backs compared with modern vehicles, which now use taller seats and integrated head restraints designed to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a crash. These design features allowed drivers to turn and see behind the vehicle with relatively unobstructed visibility — something that is often far more difficult in modern cars with thicker pillars, higher and thicker seat backs, higher door lines, and reduced glass areas.

Vehicle design has changed significantly over the past decades. Modern cars are built with stronger body structures to improve crash protection. Larger pillars, higher and thicker seat backs, thicker door frames, and smaller rear windows all contribute to improved occupant safety. However, these same features can significantly reduce the driver's ability to see approaching traffic when turning to look over their shoulder from the seated driving position.

In many modern vehicles, a driver who performs an over-the-shoulder check while seated may see only the inside of thier car or, at best, a very limited portion of the roadway behind them. A cyclist approaching from the rear may remain outside the driver's field of vision. In this situation, the driver may believe they have checked for hazards when in reality the cyclist was never visible.

Ironically, the technique intended to reduce dooring incidents may create a false sense of security if drivers rely solely on turning their head to check behind them.

A more practical approach for modern vehicles is a simple three-step check before opening the door.

First,  drivers should check their side mirrors to see if a cyclist or other road user is approaching from behind. Side mirrors are specifically designed to provide a wider field of view of the lane beside and behind the vehicle. When set up correctly, they offer a far clearer and more reliable view of approaching cyclists than a shoulder check alone.

Second, drivers should look out the side window to ensure there is no pedestrian, cyclist, or other road user immediately beside the vehicle. This quick check helps identify anyone positioned directly alongside the car.

Third, drivers should recheck their side mirrors to see if a cyclist or other road user is approaching from behind. If clear now, safely open thier door.

Using these checks provides a more effective way of identifying potential hazards before opening a door.

This discussion highlights a broader issue in road safety education. Many traditional driving techniques were developed when vehicle design was very different from what we see today. While the intent behind these techniques may remain valid, the way they are applied should evolve alongside the vehicles people actually drive.

Road safety messaging is most effective when it reflects real-world driving conditions. Training programs should consider how visibility, vehicle design, and driver behaviour interact in modern vehicles, rather than relying solely on practices developed decades ago.

Protecting vulnerable road users — including cyclists — remains an essential goal of road safety education. However, the strategies used to achieve that goal must be practical, evidence-based, and suited to modern driving environments.

By focusing on realistic driver behaviours and acknowledging the limitations of vehicle visibility, road safety training can better equip drivers to recognise hazards and prevent incidents before they occur.

When it comes to road safety, small details in how advice is communicated can make a significant difference. Ensuring that guidance reflects the realities of modern vehicles is an important step toward reducing avoidable crashes and protecting everyone who shares the road.