![](https://wyza.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/important-driving-technique-768x436.jpg)
As many Australians get their licence out of necessity due to the sheer size of the country, it’s safe to say that they generally think they’re pretty knowledgeable when it comes to driving.
However, there is one important skill that a large majority have never even heard of.
New research done by Ford Australia has found that 95 per cent of Australian drivers don’t know about the “Dutch Reach”.
This revelation comes as Ford offers its free Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) course as part of a push to help new and young drivers boost their skills behind the wheel.
The Dutch Reach is a simple technique where a driver uses their far hand to open the car door. That forces drivers to look behind and check for cyclists as they reach over their body.
Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO Kay Hart said the results said that there’s a serious need for more education around skills that can improve cyclist safety.
“We know from our research that many drivers don’t feel confident driving around cyclists and that many cyclists are nervous being on the road with vehicles,” Ms Hart said to news.com.au.
“That’s why it’s so important to include a driver-cyclist safety component in DSFL this year.”
A massive 68 per cent of cyclists said that they were concerned every time a vehicle passed them on the road.