Video: Driver Narrowly Avoids Death After Opening Door Into Traffic

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Video: Driver Narrowly Avoids Death After Opening Door Into Traffic

Outline

1. Introduction
   • Overview of the shocking incident and its impact
   • Importance of road safety and awareness when exiting vehicles
2. The Incident: Close Call in Sunderland
   • Description of the video captured by Peter Scott
   • Details of the near-miss involving the green Freelander and white Fiesta
3. Lesson on Mirror and Blind Spot Checking
   • The importance of checking mirrors and blind spots before exiting a vehicle
4. Understanding the Concept of ‘Dooring’
   • Explanation of what ‘dooring’ is
   • Statistics on ‘dooring’ incidents and injuries
5. The Danger of ‘Dooring’ Incidents
   • Examples of past accidents due to dooring
   • Potential consequences for both drivers and cyclists
6. Highway Code on Exiting Vehicles Safely
   • Rule 239 and its guidelines on opening car doors
   • Importance of following these regulations
7. Introduction to the ‘Dutch Reach’ Technique
   • Brief on what the Dutch Reach technique is
   • How it minimizes the risk of dooring incidents
8. How to Perform the Dutch Reach
   • Step-by-step breakdown of the technique
   • Explanation of body positioning and checking mirrors
9. Comparing UK and Netherlands Practices
   • How the Dutch approach differs from the UK
   • Why the Netherlands has fewer dooring incidents
10. Benefits of the Driver Dutch Reach Technique
    • Enhanced safety for drivers, passengers, and cyclists
    • Potential reduction in dooring accidents if widely adopted
11. Why Awareness is Key
    • The role of driving instructors in teaching safe practices
    • Raising awareness through campaigns and education
12. The Role of Technology in Reducing Dooring
    • New car features that alert passengers to approaching traffic
    • Future advancements that could improve safety
13. Preventive Measures Beyond the Dutch Reach
    • Other strategies for ensuring safe vehicle exit
    • How to cultivate road awareness as a driver or passenger
14. Conclusion
    • Recap of the importance of safe exiting practices
    • Final thoughts on preventing accidents like the one in Sunderland
15. FAQs

Article

Introduction

In a dramatic video that has captured widespread attention, a driver in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, narrowly avoided a potentially fatal accident by inches after opening his car door into traffic. This alarming incident underscores the importance of careful habits when exiting vehicles—a crucial safety aspect that many overlook. Let’s dive into the details of this close call and explore why every driver and passenger should be vigilant when opening a car door into the road.

The Incident: Close Call in Sunderland

The now-viral video, recorded by driving instructor Peter Scott’s dashcam, shows a heart-stopping moment as the driver of a green Freelander opens his door right as a white Ford Fiesta drives past. The Fiesta hits the open door, ripping it clean off its hinges. Miraculously, no one was injured in the incident, but the close call serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of stepping out without proper precautions.

Lesson on Mirror and Blind Spot Checking

One of the key takeaways from this incident is the importance of always checking mirrors and blind spots before exiting a vehicle. A quick glance can make the difference between a safe exit and a potentially deadly accident. This simple habit is especially crucial in busy areas where other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians may be passing close to parked cars.

Understanding the Concept of ‘Dooring’

The term “dooring” refers to accidents caused when someone opens a car door into the path of an oncoming road user, such as a cyclist or another vehicle. Though it may seem like a minor oversight, dooring can have serious, sometimes fatal, consequences. In the UK alone, two people die annually due to dooring incidents, while over 700 others suffer injuries.

The Danger of ‘Dooring’ Incidents

While many drivers consider dooring to be a rare occurrence, statistics tell a different story. In cities, where cyclists and cars share tight spaces, dooring is a genuine hazard. Accidents due to dooring can lead to severe injuries for cyclists, including broken bones and head trauma. For motorists, dooring incidents also pose risks, including vehicle damage and potential legal repercussions.

Highway Code on Exiting Vehicles Safely

According to the UK’s Highway Code, Rule 239 mandates that motorists ensure no one is endangered when opening a car door on the roadside. The rule emphasizes that checking mirrors and blind spots is non-negotiable when stepping out into traffic. Failure to follow this rule can lead to fines, increased insurance costs, and even legal action if an accident occurs.

Introduction to the ‘Dutch Reach’ Technique

To mitigate dooring accidents, safety advocates recommend a technique known as the “Dutch Reach.” Originating in the Netherlands, this practice involves using the hand furthest from the door to open it, which naturally forces the person to turn and check for oncoming traffic. This method reduces the likelihood of inadvertently swinging a door open into another road user.

How to Perform the Dutch Reach

Here’s a quick guide on how to perform the Dutch Reach:

1. Use Your Opposite Hand: If you’re parked on the left side of the road, reach across your body with your left hand to open the door handle.
2. Turn Your Body and Look: Reaching with your left hand automatically turns your body, encouraging a glance at the side mirror and a quick look over your shoulder.
3. Check for Oncoming Traffic: Before opening the door fully, assess if any cyclists, cars, or pedestrians are approaching.
4. Open Slowly: If the coast is clear, open the door slowly and step out with caution.

Comparing UK and Netherlands Practices

In the Netherlands, where the Dutch Reach originated, drivers are taught to wind down their windows and pull on the exterior door handle—a thorough check before exiting. As a result, dooring incidents in the Netherlands are significantly lower compared to the UK, where the technique is not yet universally practiced.

Benefits of the Dutch Reach Technique

Adopting the Dutch Reach technique can create safer roads by reducing dooring accidents. By developing a habit of careful checking, drivers and passengers alike can help minimize unexpected hazards for other road users. The technique is simple yet effective and, if practiced widely, could drastically reduce dooring-related injuries.

Why Awareness is Key

Road safety education can significantly impact how people approach exiting vehicles. Driving instructors play a pivotal role in teaching such practices, and integrating the Dutch Reach into driving lessons could boost road safety awareness for new drivers. Public awareness campaigns could further emphasize the importance of careful door-checking.

The Role of Technology in Reducing Dooring

As technology advances, more vehicles are equipped with alert systems that notify drivers of approaching vehicles or cyclists. These features are particularly helpful for drivers who might miss a quick glance over their shoulder. Future developments may include systems that prevent doors from opening into oncoming traffic automatically.

Preventive Measures Beyond the Dutch Reach

While the Dutch Reach is effective, additional habits can reinforce safe exiting practices:

• Park Carefully: If possible, park away from busy streets or bike lanes.
• Use Side Mirrors: Adjust your side mirrors to get a broader view of any traffic approaching from behind.
• Take Your Time: Avoid rushing when exiting your vehicle; a moment of caution can prevent accidents.

Conclusion

The near-miss in Sunderland serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of exiting vehicles carelessly. By adopting practices like the Dutch Reach and remaining vigilant, drivers and passengers can significantly improve road safety. Simple actions can make a big difference, and it’s up to all road users to practice them consistently.

FAQs

1. What is the Dutch Reach technique?
   The Dutch Reach involves using your opposite hand to open your car door, turning your body so you naturally check for oncoming traffic.
2. Why is dooring dangerous?
   Dooring accidents can cause severe injuries to cyclists or damage to passing vehicles, as well as legal consequences for the driver at fault.
3. How common are dooring accidents in the UK?
   Around two people die annually due to dooring incidents in the UK, with over 700 additional injuries reported each year.
4. Is the Dutch Reach mandatory in the UK?
   While it’s not mandatory, the Dutch Reach is encouraged to improve road safety, and awareness of this technique is growing.
5. What are other ways to avoid dooring incidents?
   Aside from the Dutch Reach, checking mirrors, adjusting side mirrors properly, and parking in safer spots can help prevent accidents.

   Main image by Pexels