Live and Let Drive

Latest Episodes:

ZeroProof: Underage Drinking Prevention Sep 23, 2024

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

Motorcycle Safety: Ride On Jul 30, 2024

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/

Fatal Crash Unit Jun 26, 2024

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.

Beyond the Numbers: Crash Report Insights Apr 24, 2024

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

The Apodaca Story Mar 14, 2024

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#

How Drivers Interact with Technology Sep 25, 2023

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/

Slodwn: A Crash Course on Speeding Jul 25, 2023

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

Sit Tight: A Talk About Seatbelt Safety May 24, 2023

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

How to End Distracted Driving Apr 25, 2023

This episode is about distracted driving. We all know it’s dangerous and risky. It’s also irresponsible, selfish, and disrespectful. This is the message Joel Feldman learned from the kids he presents to, and it’s the message he shares with their parents who might not think of it the same way. Joel founded EndDD.org, an organization committed to reducing crashes caused by distracted driving. He’s dedicated his life to talking with adults and kids about distracted driving ever since a distracted driver killed his daughter, Casey. If you’re concerned about distracted driving, this episode will highlight different ways to think about how we share the road and ways we can all stay safe.

Episode links:

Check out the website, EndDD.org, for more information about Joel’s organization.

Watch campaign videos from the Department of Transportation’s website, JustDrive, https://www.dntxtjustdrive.com/.

For more information and statistics, check out The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) page on distracted driving, https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving, as well as The Governors Highway Safety Association’s page on distracted driving, https://www.ghsa.org/issues/distracted-driving.

A Thing or Two About DWI School Mar 28, 2023

This episode of Live and Let Drive is all about DWI School, a court-ordered course aimed at educating drivers on the dangers of driving while impaired. Host Rachel Kennedy interviews Kathleen Lawicki, the Director at Santa Fe DWI School, who has been involved in outreach education for almost 30 years. Lawicki provides insight into how DWI School works, shares stories from the classes, and explains how the laws and awareness around drinking and driving have evolved since the early nineties when she started teaching at DWI School. Kathleen has seen everything and shares stories from her classes and how some students express regret, gratitude, and even seek help for their addictions.

MADD About Drunk Driving Jan 09, 2023

In this episode, we talk with Dolly Otero from the New Mexico chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, also known as MADD. She describes the services provided by MADD and how they have helped victims of drunk driving, and now drugged driving, crashes. And having worked at MADD for almost 20 years, Dolly has seen everything and knows the trends. She shares anecdotes from her experiences of going through the process from initial contact through the court system and shines light on some misconceptions people have about MADD.

For more information about MADD and ways you can support this incredible non-profit organization, you can visit their website at madd.org/new-mexico/

Drugged Driving in the Age of Legalized Cannabis Nov 23, 2022

Cannabis is now legal in New Mexico for recreational use. This means we’re seeing more people driving high on our roads. Drugged driving is impaired driving. Many people are unaware they can be arrested for a DWI for marijuana, or they think they can drive safely high because they think they’re being more careful and driving slower. On this episode, we talk with an expert DRE officer and current Highway Safety Specialist at NHTSA, Deputy Chief Charles Files. He’s been at the forefront of this issue from even before cannabis was legalized in New Mexico. Deputy Chief Files explains what officers are seeing out on the streets. It’s complicated. He breaks it down for us and shares some amusing anecdotes.

Check out these videos from the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s awareness campaign on drugged driving.

Excuses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZzY8IeerJM

Impact: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T4JbPWzpjI

AAA published a study on the alarming rise of fatal crashes involving drivers who test positive on THC: https://media.acg.aaa.com/aaa-researches-marijuana-in-fatal-crashes-after-legalization.htm

Pedestrian Safety: A Two-Way Street Oct 05, 2022

Our guests for today’s episode are Rosa Kozub and Shannon Glendenning from the NMDOT Multimodal Planning & Programs Bureau. We talk about why New Mexico has the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities, how NMDOT is addressing this issue, and what we can all do keep our roads safe. They discuss key findings from the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. Here’s the link: nmpedplan.altaplanning.cloud/storage/app/media/Final%20Plan_August_2021.pdf

Shannon mentions the very cool AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit: aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit.html, and the Walk Bike and Roll to School (for international walk to school day October 12th): walkbiketoschool.org/

Look for Me, NMDOT’s campaign for pedestrian safety, has state-wide statistics, tips for drivers and pedestrians, and local statutes: lookformenm.com/

If you’re outside of New Mexico, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a good resource: www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety, as well as the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) where you can find see where your state ranks on pedestrian safety: https://www.ghsa.org/resources/Pedestrians22

A Life Changed Forever: The Story of Bobby Dilley Sep 09, 2022

A police officer finds himself a victim of a drunk driving crash. Bobby Dilley tells us his touching story of recovery and rebuilding a life that was shattered in seconds by a decision made by a woman to drive drunk one night.

A Day In the Life of a State Trooper Jul 28, 2022

Host Rachel Kennedy talks with New Mexico State Police officer and head of their DWI Unit, Lt. Kurtis Ward.