Whether you visit Maryland from DC or live here in Silver Spring, MD, you're likely familiar with the 16th Street traffic circle and how intimidating it can be while driving in it. Since improvements were made recently, we thought it would be a good time to review these traffic marvels and how to interact with them in the wild. The state has a detailed website about roundabouts that's worth checking out, but here are the basics for drivers. 1. Bicyclists & Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way Safety first, and that means letting the bicyclists and pedestrians go first. The rules for these users are on the website linked above if you happen to not be in a car when you hit this traffic circle, but the same basic rules apply to everyone. more 2. Yield; Don't Stop Turning into a roundabout is a lot like making a right turn at an intersection: the vehicles already in motion in the traffic circle have the right-of-way. Once you are in the traffic circle, you will have the right-of-way, too. Until then, look for a gap to safely enter the traffic flow. 3. Traffic Moves Counter-Clockwise In the United States, and definitely here in Maryland, our traffic circles move counter-clockwise, which means traffic flows in the opposite direction than the hands of a clock turn. You will want to revisit rules about traffic circles if you travel elsewhere though because this rule can vary depending on local traffic patterns. 4. Stay in the Inner Circle Until Your Exit Pay attention to the signs and you will see what exit to take. There's no shame if you need to do an extra circle or two to figure it out. Sometimes there can be a lot of signs. Just be sure to use your turn signal as you’re switching lanes, and as you enter and exit the traffic circle. 5. Don't Stop for Vehicles Entering the Circle You have the right of way now! You may cause an accident if you try to stop and let someone in. Go with the flow of traffic around the circle until you reach your desired exit. If you haven't figured out which exit you need, then take another lap in the inner circle. 6. Use Your Turn Signals This is one of the best ways to avoid accidents in and out of traffic circles. Once you see your exit, use your turn signal, and exit the roundabout to continue on with your journey. This lets other drivers know what your intentions are so that they can act accordingly. Find a Dependable New Car in Maryland for All Your Travels While traffic circles may seem dangerous, studies show they actually reduce crashes when people know how to use them by slowing vehicles down and reducing the possibility of head-on and T-bone collisions. If you do find yourself needing a new car, be sure to explore the vehicles available at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring - your premier car dealership in Silver Spring, MD.
Knowing what to expect in any situation can save you a lot of stress, especially when you're dealing with getting a permit. Before you head to your local Silver Spring MD, MVA for your permit test, you need to be prepared so that you know what to expect and so you don't have to make that same trip twice. 1. You Have to Have the Right Forms Forms are non-negotiable whenever you do anything at the MVA and applying for a learner's permit is no different. You will need every form listed online, no exception. Reviewing the web page listing the necessary documents is the best way to prepare so that you have every single form and won't be sent home. more 2. You Need to Schedule an Appointment Once you have all of the forms and signatures you need for your application to qualify, you must schedule an appointment. To avoid a wait, schedule in advance to avoid any kind of backlog at the office. Don't wait until the last minute or you might be waiting to get that permit. 3. Your Vision Will Be Tested You will be required to take a vision test since good eyesight is a requisite for driving. If you haven't been to the eye doctor in a while, you may want to schedule an appointment ahead of time to see if you need glasses or contacts. If you do wear contacts or glasses, make sure to have them in or have them with you on the day of your appointment so that you can see well. 4. You Will Have to Take a Test When you walk into your appointment, you won't be able to hand in the documents, receive your permit, and go home. After your vision test, you will be required to take a test. The good news is you can practice for this in advance thanks to the online practice test. You can also read through the Maryland Driver's Manual to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road so you can successfully pass the test. 5. It Will Cost You You'll have to pay a fee of $50.00 to get your permit. Knowing this in advance can prevent a lot of disappointment and frustration if you show up without a way to pay. While most MVAs take credit cards, have the cash to cover the cost and a little extra in case there are any additional fees you weren't aware of. 6. You Won't Get Your Actual Permit Right Away Even after you successfully pass your test, you won't get your permit right away. You may be given a temporary document, but your official permit will be mailed to you in the mail, usually within a few weeks of your visit. However, with a temporary permit, you can still begin practicing driving right away. New Cars for Sale in Silver Spring, MD to Start Your Driving Adventure On your way home from your appointment, what better way to spend your time than looking at your future vehicle. Your parent or guardian may eventually be getting you a vehicle, and when that time happens, we'll be ready to help. Visit us today at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring to browse our extensive collection of new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, and Wagoneer models!
Despite the meteoric rise of Crossover SUVs, families know nothing replaces a minivan's ability to shuttle children, with all their stuff, in comfort. The family minivan segment has resurrected into a highly competitive market. We've rounded up some of our favorite reasons the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is the perfect van for a family. 1. Protecting Precious Cargo Minivans are tasked with an important role; safely transporting our families through daily life. Chrysler takes that responsibility seriously. The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica was named IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the 2020 Pacifica earning the NHTSA overall Five Star Safety Rating. If safety awards don't impress, Chrysler packs enough safety technology into the 2020 Pacifica, even residents of the International Space Station would do a double take! For 2020, Chrysler makes available full-speed forward collision warning with active braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. This is as close as one can get to a fully automated vehicle and still be considered “driving!” more 2. Since We're Talking Tech Parents know the secret to a “good day,” is ensuring children are entertained during the busy morning/evening commute or on long road trips. No parent wants to hear the dreaded, “I'm bored,” when they're still an hour from home! When choosing the Pacifica, families get to bring their Living room on the road. The Chrysler Pacifica boasts the most advanced entertainment system in its class. For 2020, Chrysler offers the available Class-Exclusive Uconnect Theater, which includes dual 10-inch HD touchscreens with a Blu-ray player, dual HDMI inputs, wireless headphones, wireless streaming, Bluetooth remotes, and built-in games/apps. In the Pacifica, kids get to be kids, and adults can drive in peace. 3. Can We Live Here? If your family needs plenty of room, then Pacifica is your chariot! The 2020 Pacifica offers more cargo space than any full-size SUV. Ingenious stow-n-go seating comes standard, allowing storage underneath the floor, and the ability to configure the rear with a completely flat loading floor. Boasting 234 seating configurations, families who enjoy camping can leave the tents at home, and enjoy the outdoors from a comfy interior. 4. More Driving, Less Fueling Traditional minivans had the reputation of being plagued with poor fuel economy. The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica crushes that reputation! The 2020 Pacifica, configured with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, claims the throne with a class-leading highway fuel economy, achieving up to 28 mpg. Do the kids want to go further? Opt for the Pacifica Hybrid, achieving up to 82 mpg! Choose the 2020 Pacifica and your family will only be stopping at a gas station for snacks! The 2020 Pacifica's class-leading features cement it as the standout family minivan of the future. If your family is looking for the whole package, make your children proud; put a Pacifica in your driveway today. Visit Darcars Automotive Group for more details on the Pacifica.
