Alertness
Your front-seat passenger is about to open their door to get out on the traffic side. What is the safest habit?
- Open the door quickly so it is out of the way
- Open it with the hand furthest from the door, so you turn to look behindCorrect
- Push the door open with your foot
- Open the door only a little and squeeze out
Why?
Opening the door with the far hand makes you turn your body and head so you naturally look for cyclists and traffic. Rule 239 of The Highway Code recommends this method, known as the 'Dutch reach', to help avoid injuring passing road users.
Highway Code rule 239