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.
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.
Many see the Jeep Grand Cherokee as the standard for all other midsize SUVs. Strong off-road capabilities combine with tightly-packed features to deliver a vehicle that is both dependable and attractive. Like its predecessors, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks high with drivers of all ages. It's even earned a 7.4 Edmunds Rating: no small feat for a car with great competition. 1. Plush Interior The Grand Cherokee is known for being durable and multi-purpose, but the interior is the perfect blend of luxury craftsmanship. It starts with soft-touch leather seats in color and stitching combos nothing short of elegant. This comfort extends to the roof, with an available dual-pane panoramic moonroof to let the sky guide you on your travels. more The sound system provides a true entertainment experience, with an available subwoofer and 19 speakers placed strategically throughout the vehicle. You can also choose front seating that is both heated and ventilated, a real bonus for driving in those extreme temperatures the Grand Cherokee is specifically made for. 2. Lots of Trim Levels With seven different trims to choose from, buyers can select the one that most closely matches their needs. We'll start with the Laredo, the base model that comes standard with Apple and Android integration, dual climate control, and parking assistance. From there, the features continue to mount. One step up, the Limited offers navigation assistance and a power liftgate. The Trailhawk is outfitted with additional off-road tech and rear heated seats. The Overland offers rain-sensing wipers and a panoramic sunroof. Twenty-inch wheels and additional trim details are introduced with the Summit, and the SRT yields even more tech and more power. The Trackhawk is packed with high-performance goodies as well as an upgraded interior. 3. Off-Roading and Towing Choices abound with the Grand Cherokee, including a variety of four-wheel-drive systems. The Trailhawk even offers a dirt-specialized option for traversing all paths. This car also comes with a towing capacity of 7,200-pounds, a real boon for a midsize SUV. 4. Technology An available 8.4-inch touchscreen will keep you connected on all your trips. Two USB ports and an available Wi-Fi Hotspot also allow passengers to take care of business - or pleasure - while they ride along. Additional features include Bluetooth connectivity, rear entertainment center, and voice command. You can sync vehicle operations with your Smartphone to get: Remote vehicle start Vehicle finder Vehicle systems report SOS accident call 5. Performance Higher trim levels come with a launch control system for straight-line acceleration and optimal performance. Similarly, these trims also feature high-end brakes that include six-piston calipers on the front. Finally, performance pages on the interior Uconnect touchscreen allow you to monitor oil temperatures, braking distance, and other crucial measurements. You know the Jeep Grand Cherokee has the capability to take you where you want to go. The only question is: what are you waiting for? Stop by DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD, today and drive one for yourself.
