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.

In this episode of Live and Let Drive, we talk with Jessica Bloom, a research scientist at the University of New Mexico Geospatial and Population Studies. With over 15 years of experience, Jessica delves into the intricacies of vehicular crashes in New Mexico, shedding light on the comprehensive database and detailed crash reports maintained by her team. From alcohol-related incidents to demographic breakdowns, Jessica's expertise in data analysis and statistical trend analysis offers invaluable insights into driving safety on New Mexico's roads. Join us as we go "Beyond the Numbers" to explore the nuances of crash report data.

Links:
UNM Geospatial and Population Studies Crash Reports: gps.unm.edu/tru/reports/annual-crash-reports/index.html

In this episode, Alyssa and Anthony Apodaca tell the story of a drunk driving crash that took the life of their unborn baby boy, Messiah. They share the raw details of that horrific night and how Mothers Against Drunk Driving provided them with invaluable emotional and practical support in the aftermath. From navigating the legal system to advocating for their rights, MADD stood by their side.

But the Apodacas' story doesn't end there. Anthony, who himself had once been on the other side of the issue after receiving a DWI, offers a unique perspective on the devastating impact of drunk driving.

Join us as we honor Messiah's life and listen to Alyssa and Anthony's experience, shedding light on the human stories behind the sobering statistics and the vital role organizations like MADD play in supporting victims and advocating for change.

Links:
Mothers Against Drunk Driving: https://madd.org/?gad_source=1#

In this episode, our guest is Dr. Nichole Morris, the Director of the HumanFIRST Lab at the University of Minnesota. The Lab's mission is to reduce injuries and fatal crashes on the road by gaining a better understanding of driving behavior, particularly how drivers interact with technology. Whether we're using navigation, cruise control, or a backup camera, technology has become an integral part of our driving experience. As a psychologist, Dr. Morris sheds light on how we interact with the technology, not just what it’s designed to do. While technology has the potential to make cars safer, it's crucial to consider whether they can also be distracting and how they directly and indirectly impact driver and pedestrian safety. We discuss Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, commonly known as ADAS and its implications for road safety. Additionally, we discuss innovative solutions to how technology can prevent drunk driving.

For more information about HumanFIRST Lab, visit their website at https://humanfirst.umn.edu/

This episode of "Live and Let Drive," explores the dangers of speeding, its contributing factors and how to mitigate its risks. We are joined by Craig Lyon, Director of Road Safety Engineering at the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), and Virginia O’Connor, Roadway Safety Engineer at ToXcel.

For more information, check out the following resources on speeding.
NHTSA’s Countermeasures that work: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures

FHWA’s Speed Safety Camera and Program Guide: https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/Speed%20Safety%20Camera%20Program%20Planning%20and%20Operations%20Guide%202023.pdf

Safe System Approach for Speed Management: https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/Safe_System_Approach_for_Speed_Management.pdf

FHWA’s Speed Management Program’s Resources Page: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/speed-management/reference-materials

Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF):
www.tirf.ca

On this episode, host Rachel Kennedy explores seat belt safety history, facts, and experts’ insights to promote safety on the road.