As a Dutchman I am happy that we can teach you Brits (55 years later...) something...
British motorist must open the door with a safer 'Dutch reach'Motorists in the United Kingdom are required to apply the so-called 'Dutch reach' when opening car doors from Saturday, BBC News reported on Wednesday. Anyone who refuses to open their car door with the hand furthest from it risks a fine of £1,000 (about €1,200).
The rule will be included in the Highway Code with rules for road users on Saturday. It is not known whether the rule also applies to car passengers.
The introduction of the Dutch reach has been going on for years. This grip makes it easier for motorists to get out of the car to look over their shoulders to see whether other road users, such as cyclists, are aproaching.
The British now enacting the rule has been applauded by activist Jeff Boulton. He lost his son in a road accident in 2016. "Like most people, we knew nothing about the Dutch reach until Sam was killed," he said, according to BBC News. "If we had changed the rules 55 years ago when the Dutch came up with this, Sam would still be alive."
Cycling UK is also happy with the amendment of the traffic regulations. The cyclists' organization says that although the British are not used to the Dutch reach, the method is easy to learn and can save lives.
Source:
https://www.nu.nl/buitenland/6180319/britse-automobilist-moet-deur-gaan-openen-met-veiligere-nederlandse-greep.html?redirect=1