A SHOCKING video caught the moment a driver ignored recently introduced Highway Code advice and caused a serious accident.
Captured on a Nextbase dash cam in a parked car, the video shows other cars parked along the side of a busy urban road ahead.
4
A grey VW Polo can be seen on the side of the road, but is hanging out in traffic straddling the lines of a parking bay.
The road in Orpington, Bromley is busy and getting out on the driver’s side would require making sure nothing was coming from behind.
As part of new Highway Code rules introduced in January, drivers have been advised to adopt what’s called a ‘Dutch Reach’ method in this situation.
This involves using the hand furthest from the door you’re getting out of to open it, forcing you to turn at the same time and look behind while opening it a shorter distance.
This was clearly ignored by the Polo driver, who begins to open their door just as a blue Toyota RAV-4 is seen approaching from behind.
Just as the Toyota SUV reaches the Polo, the VW’s door is flung open and the RAV-4 smashes into it.
The force pushes the Polo across the road back into the parking bay and smashes the driver’s window.
It also causes lots of damage to the front of the Toyota, while the VW driver was lucky to avoid getting seriously hurt.
The bystander who recorded the incident, David Lovelace, said: “I was picking up my wife from work when it all happened.
“The lady parked on the curb and then opened her door, which the other car then hit.”
“The thing is, if it wasn’t for the Dash Cam, most people would think that the passing car was at fault, but it wasn’t.”
Win a Nissan GTR from just 89p
SUN readers can win a stunning Nissan GTR plus £1,000 in cash for just 89p with the Sun’s exclusive discount!
We have teamed up with 7days Performance to offer you a special discounted chance to win the amazing car this week.
Using the code SUN10, you will get 10p off the normal price of 99p.
Full terms and conditions can be found here
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at Nextbase, said: “This incident could have ended terribly for both parties involved.
“At the very least, this incident shows a concerning lack of awareness on the part of the driver of the parked car, and that can be extremely dangerous both in this instance and on the road.
“Drivers leaving their vehicles should always check their blind spot before opening their door.”
4
4
4
