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.

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.

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.