Fletchers Updates

Fletchers Solicitors support Dutch Reach awareness Campaign

November 3, 2022
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Fletchers Solicitors are proud to support the ‘Dutch Reach’ campaign #TeachTheReach.

Directed by Cycling UK, #Teachthereach aims to educate motorists to look out for cyclists before opening their door. 

Blurred image of a car colliding with a bicycle.
Drivers are encouraged to look left before opening their door

Every year, hundreds of cycle accidents go unreported.

vehicle doors open into the path of unsuspecting cyclists and motorcyclists.

As one of the UK’s leading serious injury firms, Fletchers has a great track record at representing victims.

Last year, Fletchers settled a case involving, Dr Robert Hamilton, a retired University Lecturer.

Family saw Dr Hamilton die because of a collision with a stationary car’s door.

As a result, Jennifer Nolan, Head of Serious Injury is right behind the campaign.

We want people to join to raise awareness of Dutch Reach.

We know the devastation that ‘car dooring’ can cause to vulnerable road users.

Because of this, we want to educate more people on the importance of looking out for cyclists and motorcyclists.

Fletchers are also in support of the Dutch Reach becoming part of the Highway Code.

Reports show only 12% of the UK population are aware of the Dutch Reach.

Many believe it’s a Dutch beer (22%), a handshake (19%) or a yoga pose (15%).

Subsequently, Cycling UK will promote a hard-hitting film to educate road users to use the reach.

www.cyclinguk.org/dutchreach.

The film is from the perspective of a car passenger and it shows a collision that could have been avoided using the Dutch Reach.

Duncan Dollimore, Head of Campaigns at Cycling UK, said:

We know 60 cyclists die or suffer a serious injury in Britain every year.  

We also believe 40% of people won’t cycle because of car dooring fears.

So, it’s vital we educate anyone who uses a car to check before opening their door.

The Dutch Reach is such a simple technique that can make a real difference to safety on our roads.

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