Governor Signs the ‘Dutch Reach’ Law That Will Affect Every Illinois Driver
Illinois has a new law on the books that was signed into law last week by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner that most Illinois drivers are not aware of. If you don't know now, you need to get up to speed. On the heels of Illinois' new distracted driving law that was signed by the governor last week is a little-known driving (or parking) rule that will soon go into effect.
It's called the "Dutch Reach" rule. You will need to know this to pass the written Illinois drivers license exam and will now be a part of the curriculum taught to new drivers.
The Dutch reach rule will affect motorists in the process of parking and exiting their vehicles. It involves how you open your door when exiting your vehicle. Most drivers in the past have typically used their left hand to open driver's door, this new rule states that drivers should use their right hand to open the door. The thought behind this is that by using your right hand, your body and your eyes will be facing more to the right. By doing so, you will be more likely to spot oncoming traffic (bicyclists, other vehicles) that could collide with an open car door.
See the video below for a detailed explanation
According to the Chicago Tribune:
Illinois Department of Transportation data shows dooring crashes on the rise across the state. In 2015, there were more than 300 reported in Chicago, a 50 percent increase from the previous year.
This new rule affects both drivers and passengers. Passengers will need to use the hand farthest from the door when exiting, and yes this WILL be on the driver's test.