Question 1

What is the "Dutch Reach" method Washington's Driver Guide recommends for exiting a parked vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Opening your door with the hand farthest from the door, forcing your body to turn and check for cyclists — The Dutch Reach method means opening your car door with the hand farthest from it — that forces your body to turn, which naturally makes you look back and check for an approaching bicyclist before the door swings open.

Question 2

At what ages does Washington law make it a crime to leave a child unattended in a parked vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Under 16 if the motor is running, or under 12 regardless of whether the motor is running — Washington makes it a crime to leave a child under 16 unattended in a parked vehicle with the motor running, and a separate, broader crime to leave a child under 12 unattended in a parked vehicle at all, motor running or not.

Question 3

What must a Washington driver do for a transit bus that has signaled and is pulling back onto the roadway?

Accepted Answer

Yield to it, the same as for any other vehicle with the right-of-way — Washington requires drivers to yield to a transit vehicle traveling in the same direction that has signaled and is pulling back onto the roadway.

Washington: Pedestrians, Bicyclists & Children Questions

1. What is the "Dutch Reach" method Washington's Driver Guide recommends for exiting a parked vehicle?

2. At what ages does Washington law make it a crime to leave a child unattended in a parked vehicle?

3. What must a Washington driver do for a transit bus that has signaled and is pulling back onto the roadway?

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