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Malloy Monthly
MALLOY LAW OFFICES, LLC
THE ROLE OF VISIBILITY FOR MOTORCYCLISTS AND DRIVERS ALIKE See and Be Seen Serving You In: Baltimore, MD • Bethesda, MD • Clinton, MD Ellicott City, MD • Frederick, MD • Germantown, MD Wheaton, MD • Washington, D.C. • Alexandria, VA • Manassas, VA Things are heating up! With the recent sunny days, the open road is becoming tough to resist for motorcyclists. As our highways fill with both bikes and cars, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is the perfect time to focus on safety tips that ensure everyone can enjoy the ride without worry. Be Visible Visibility can be the difference between a safe ride and an accident. Motorcyclists can enhance their visibility by wearing bright clothing and using reflective materials on their bikes. It’s essential for drivers to always check their blind spots and mirrors (twice) before making any turns or lane changes. Because of their size, motorcycles can seem to appear out of nowhere, so extra caution is paramount. Communicate Clearly Effective signaling by both motorcyclists and drivers helps prevent misunderstandings on the road. Motorcyclists should use their turn signals early and clearly, and if necessary, supplement with hand signals to ensure others understand their movements. Drivers should be sure their vehicle’s turn signals are functioning properly and make their intentions known well in advance. Manage Your Speed Keeping speed in check is essential for safe motorcycling. Motorcyclists should adhere to speed limits, be mindful of their environment, and resist the urge to weave through traffic. Drivers need to watch their speed, maintain a safe distance from motorcycles, and give them plenty of room to maneuver and react to road conditions, especially in hazardous weather. Stay Alert Both drivers and motorcyclists must be constantly aware of their surroundings. Motorcyclists need to be particularly vigilant about road conditions, as hazards like potholes, wet roads, or debris are more dangerous on two wheels. Drivers should be especially cautious in high motorcycle traffic areas and adjust their driving accordingly to avoid surprises.
May 2025
Maintain Your Ride Regular motorcycle and vehicle maintenance is crucial for safe driving. For motorcyclists, this includes checking tire pressure, brake pads, and fluid levels before every ride. Ensuring lights and signals are operational is also key for safety. Similarly, drivers should regularly service their cars and pay attention to brakes, tires, and lights to ensure everything functions properly. Gear Up The right gear is non-negotiable for motorcyclists. Helmets, gloves, protective jackets, and appropriate footwear are essential for safety. Drivers can contribute by ensuring everyone onboard is buckled up and that potential distractions are put away: cellphones, food, make-up, etc. These precautions help keep everyone alert and protected on the road. Extend Mutual Respect This one is the most important. Acknowledging that motorcyclists and drivers share equal rights to the road promotes cooperative behavior. Courtesy enhances safety and also improves the overall driving experience for everyone involved. As we take advantage of the beautiful weather, let’s commit to these safety practices during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Whether you’re behind the handlebars or the steering wheel, let’s work together to ensure everyone makes it home safely.
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What’s on your summer list? Many people flock to amusement parks for fun in the sun every year. But amidst the laughter and thrills, it’s easy to forget that those soaring roller coasters and spinning teacups come with their own set of risks. While injuries at amusement parks are relatively rare, it’s always best to play it safe. So, let’s look at how you can prevent turning your thrill into a spill! Know the ride before you get on. Before you strap in for that upside-down, loop-de-loop adventure, take a moment to watch the ride in action. Understanding how fast it goes and what kind of motions to expect can help you decide if it’s suitable for you — or your little ones. Always read the safety instructions and adhere to the height and age restrictions. They’re vital so everyone has a good time without any accidents. Strap in and gear up. No matter what kind of ride you choose, make sure you use all the provided safety equipment. Buckle up those belts, pull down that safety bar, and ask the attendants if you’re unsure how something works. Stay seated, stay safe. It’s tempting to stand up and throw your hands in the air, but staying seated and keeping your arms and legs inside the ride at all times is crucial to avoid accidents or injuries. SUMMER THRILLS SAFELY ENJOY AMUSEMENT PARKS THIS SEASON
Step by Step
Getting your kids outdoors to enjoy nature is a goal worth pursuing, but smartphones, video games, and social media have made it far more challenging in recent years. We celebrated Earth Day on April 22, and a nature walk is a great way to keep the appreciation for nature going. Planning games, creative projects, and other challenges to engage them during your hike can get kids involved from the start. Choose a trail that isn’t too difficult, and allow your children to wander and explore. If your children have a creative flair, encourage them to collect dried leaves, pieces of bark, seed pods, sticks, and other items to use in a collage. For adventurous kids, you can draft an age-appropriate list for a scavenger hunt to keep them from growing bored on the walk. You can include different insects native to your area, specific colors of leaves, and types of flowers, and you can even have them keep an ear out for different bird calls. Challenge your kids to make a list of all the plants or animals they can identify while they walk. Apps like Leafsnap help you identify plants using photos of their leaves or other parts. Additionally, the Arbor Day Foundation offers an online step-by-step guide at ArborDay.org for identifying a tree by its leaves. Keep the learning going by having your kids record their distance based on trail signs or a map app on their phones and calculate their average speed. You could also invite your youngsters to become cartographers, tracing the trail and surroundings on paper, including landmarks, rivers, and lakes. Older kids can add topographical information using their phones or an altitude app such as Altimeter or My Altitude. Hiking is a fantastic activity to help your kids appreciate the outdoors rather than their phone screens, but being in nature takes energy. Remember to pack snacks and a water bottle before you leave, or pack a favorite picnic meal to savor the rewards of exploring the outdoors! HELP YOUR KIDS FALL IN LOVE WITH HIKING
Take a Break
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Etiquette has always been an ever-changing game, but some rules from the past are so bizarre that it’s hard to believe anyone actually followed them. From mandatory gloves to rain- soaked gentlemen, let’s take a trip back in time and appreciate just how far we’ve come in the world of social graces. Imagine being a Victorian woman at a fancy gathering. You spot someone across the room and want to strike up a conversation — but wait! If you weren’t spoken to first, you had to stay silent. Initiating conversation could ruin your social standing because heaven forbid a woman had an independent thought. And if you did manage to chat with someone, you had better keep your laughter under control. Women were expected to cover their mouths when laughing because too much joy was unacceptable. Speaking of controlling appearances, let’s talk about the ultimate fashion injustice — men and umbrellas. In 18th-century England, a man carrying an umbrella was seen as weak. A true gentleman had to brave the rain with a stiff upper lip and a soggy coat. Meanwhile, women had their own list of fashion do’s and don’ts. Gloves? Mandatory. Hair up at all times? Absolutely. When crossing the street, a lady could only lift her dress with one hand because lifting with two hands was just too scandalous and might show off too much ankle. Photographs were another place where emotions were strictly off- limits. Smiling in photos was considered undignified, and people had to remain as serious as possible. So, if you’ve ever wondered why your great-great-grandparents looked like they just lost a bet in every old photograph, now you know! OUTRAGEOUS ETIQUETTE RULES FROM THE PAST When Laughing Was Scandalous
Keep hydrated and fueled. Nothing puts a damper on fun like dizziness or feeling sick after a roller coaster ride. Keep yourself hydrated and munch on snacks throughout the day. This will help to keep your energy up for the next ride and keep your body well-equipped to handle all the excitement. Listen to your body.
Feeling a bit queasy? You could skip the ride that spins you around more times than a merry-go- round. Listening to your body and knowing your limits is key to enjoying your day at the park without any unwelcome surprises. For more information on amusement park injuries, liabilities, and what to do if it happens to you, check out our blog by scanning the QR code!
Inspired by TheKitchn.com Silky Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients • 1 1/2 cup heavy cream, divided • 1 cup milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips (6 oz) • Optional garnish: grated chocolate, crushed nuts, toffee, or brittle
Directions 1. In a microwave-safe bowl, put 1/2 cup of cream in the microwave for 1 minute. 2. Stir in chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. 3. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup of cream with a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. 4. Set aside 1/2 cup of whipped cream for topping, and continue whipping the remaining cream until stiff peaks form. 5. Gently fold whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture in batches, mixing until combined but still light and fluffy. 6. Spoon into four ramekins or glasses, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. 7. Top with reserved whipped cream and garnish if desired.
Fast forward to the 1960s, and while some rules relaxed, others remained oddly specific. Holding your drink in your right hand at a party? Absolutely not! Your right “social” hand had to stay free to shake hands and light cigarettes. And if you were a dinner guest, you had better prepare a toast — because nothing says party etiquette like being put on the spot for an impromptu speech.
So, the next time you see someone laughing freely or using an umbrella without shame, take a moment to appreciate just how much times have changed!
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Inside This Issue
1
Sunny Days, Safe Rides
2
Tips for Engaging Your Kids in a Nature Hike
2
Essential Safety Tips for Amusement Park Fun
3
Silky Chocolate Mousse
3
Etiquette or Absurdity? The Most Ridiculous Social Rules From History
4
The Transformation of Cinco de Mayo
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Did You Know? Cinco De Mayo Is More Popular in the US
Cinco De Mayo, celebrated on May 5, is often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, but did you know it actually commemorates a different historical event? The Battle of Puebla, which took place in 1862, saw a small, under-equipped Mexican army under General Ignacio Zaragoza defeat the larger and stronger French forces. This victory became a symbol of Mexican resistance against foreign domination. The origins of Cinco de Mayo can be traced back to the aftermath of two chaotic decades in Mexico, which included the Mexican- American War and the Mexican Civil War. These conflicts left the country struggling financially. When Mexico defaulted on debts to European governments, France, under Napoleon III, saw an opportunity to both collect debts and create an empire in Mexican territory. However, the unexpected triumph at Puebla boosted Mexican morale and marked a significant point in Mexican history.
While Cinco De Mayo is recognized in Mexico, people do not celebrate it nationwide. It is primarily observed in Puebla, where the battle took place. There, the day includes reenactments, parades, and speeches. In the United States, however, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a widespread celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, far surpassing the festivities in Mexico. This transformation began among
Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to honor their heritage and show pride in their identity. Over time, the battle’s significance has taken a back seat to a broader celebration of all things Mexican — from music and dance to food and drinks.
There you have it! Cinco De Mayo is undoubtedly more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico. We hope you had fun celebrating with parades, parties, dancing, or maybe even a mariachi band!
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