In this episode of Live and Let Drive, we take a deep dive into the issue of underage drinking with guest Rebecca Neudecker from the Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention at the New Mexico Department of Health. Underage drinking is not just about teens consuming alcohol — it’s about long-term impacts on brain development, future health risks, and a higher likelihood of alcohol misuse disorders in adulthood. Early alcohol use is linked to dangerous behaviors like drunk driving, raising the risk of fatal crashes and alcohol-related deaths.

Rebecca shares her expertise on evidence-based strategies for prevention, the role of parents and communities in curbing underage drinking, and how New Mexico is addressing this pressing issue with tailored programs and public policy efforts. From building resilience in kids to tackling the broader cultural and social factors, this episode highlights practical steps we can all take to protect the health and futures of our youth.

Links:

NM Health, Injury Prevention Program: https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ibeb/ipp/#alcohol

New Mexico Youth Risk & Resilience Survey: https://youthrisk.org/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Suicide Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/pdf/preventionresource.pdf

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources/what-you-can-do-prevent-your-child-drinking

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Underage Drinking Prevention Strategies: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/underage-drinking/community-strategies.html

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/parenting-prevent-childhood-alcohol-use

CDC e-SBIRT tool in English: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/CheckYourDrinking/index.html

CDC e-SBIRT tool in Spanish: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/evalua-su-consumo-de-alcohol/index.html

In this episode of Live and Let Drive, we dive into the crucial topic of motorcycle safety with David Randall and Brittany Morrow, motorcycle enthusiasts and safety instructors from the New Mexico Motorcycle Safety Program.

David and Brittany share their personal journeys into the world of motorcycling, highlighting the importance of proper training, the right safety gear, and a defensive riding approach. They discuss the fundamentals of motorcycle safety training, continuous skill improvement, and the impact of new technologies like ABS and motorcycle stability control.

They offer practical tips for both new and experienced riders, emphasize the necessity of wearing appropriate protective gear, and explore how weather and road conditions affect motorcycle safety. The episode also touches on the vibrant motorcycle community in New Mexico, the camaraderie that comes with it, and how a focus on safety makes riding more fun.

Links:
New Mexico Motorcycle Safety Program: https://nm-msp.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Sergeant James Burton of the Albuquerque Police Department and Aaron Wroten, a civilian reconstructionist. Both are vital members of the Fatal Crash Unit, a team that meticulously investigates fatal and near-fatal crashes to uncover the causes and prevent future tragedies.

Sergeant Burton and Mr. Roten share their expertise and shed light on their investigation process, highlighting how their efforts significantly reduce investigation times. Their work not only helps solve crash cases efficiently but also provides valuable data to partnering agencies, ultimately enhancing road safety and allowing other officers to address additional pressing issues.

The conversation delves into the emotional challenges faced by the team, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of crash investigations. Tragically, the gravity of their work was underscored the evening after recording when two lives were lost in three major crashes, reinforcing the crucial nature of their mission.