Quebec drivers to learn the “Dutch Reach” technique

The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is teaching a new way for Quebec drivers to open car doors to protect bicyclists.

The department announced it has added the door-opening technique known as the “Dutch Reach” to its education program.

Driving schools have also been informed of the change.

The technique requires motorists to use their right hand to open a car door. The idea is to force drivers to turn their bodies, a motion that will help them see oncoming bicycles.

Getting “doored” — crashing into a door that is thrown open just as a bicyclist is nearing the car — can result in injury or death for bicyclists.

A coroner’s report released last year suggested the “Dutch Reach” method could have saved the life of a cyclist who was “doored” in LaSalle in 2020. He suffered severe head trauma and died of his injuries.

The technique was previously not taught during Quebec driving lessons.