Dutch Reach - Keeping Cyclists Safe One Car Door at a Time

May 25, 2019, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Cycling season is finally here! I’ve noticed an explosion of cyclists on the roads and trails. I’ve also been reading and hearing about far too many cases of dooring.

Dooring is a serious concern for all cyclists in urban areas. Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger of a car opens the door without checking to see if a cyclist is coming. The door opens and the cyclist has no time to stop or swerve. This leads to serious injuries for the cyclist. It can also result in death if the cyclist is struck by another vehicle driver when they land on the roadway. Dooring is now illegal in Ontario and drivers face a penalty upon conviction of causing an accident by dooring.

The Dutch Reach is a technique being encouraged by advocates which results in a lower chance for dooring a cyclist. You can watch the video here.

• Drivers & passengers each use far hand to open car door.
• Reach across for the door handle.
• Forced to Swivel, you automatically Look out, at mirror & easily back for bikes & traffic.
• All clear?
• Then Open slowly to exit while remaining vigilant.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.