You have stopped in a parking strip and now want to exit your vehicle. What must you do in this situation?

When you are parked in a parking strip and are about to exit your vehicle, it is crucial to ensure your safety and the safety of others. According to German traffic rules, before opening your door, you must:

1. Look in your left-hand exterior rear-view mirror. This helps you check for any vehicles or cyclists approaching from behind.
2. Glance over your left shoulder. This gives you a more comprehensive view of your blind spot, allowing you to see any potential hazards that might not be visible in the mirror.

Together, these actions help prevent accidents and ensure you open the door safely without risking collision with passing traffic. Just looking through the slightly opened door is insufficient as it does not adequately address the potential dangers. Always prioritizing full awareness when exiting a vehicle protects both you and other road users.