Why Do People Still Drink and Drive? The Human Side of Crime with Matthew Duran

Every day, people make decisions they know could change their lives forever. So why does it keep happening? This week on Talkin' About It with Ashlee, I sit down with Matthew Duran, founder of the El Paso Crime Lab and a PhD student in Criminology, to explore one of the most persistent public safety issues in our communities: drinking and driving. But this conversation goes far beyond statistics. We discuss what crime data tells us about El Paso, why people continue to take dangerous risks despite knowing the consequences, how mental health and stress can influence decision-making, and what communities can do to create meaningful change. Whether you're interested in criminology, psychology, public safety, or simply understanding human behavior, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the people behind the numbers. In This Episode: • Why drinking and driving continues to be a major issue• What crime data reveals about our communities• The connection between stress, mental health, and decision-making• Common misconceptions about crime and public safety• How education, accountability, and community involvement can make a difference Sometimes the hardest conversations are the ones we need most. Let's talk about it.Contact Matthew Duran IG: @epcrimelabEl Paso Crime Lab Website🎙️ Talkin’ About It with AshleeReal conversations about mental health, growth, and the stuff we don’t always say out loud.👉 Resources & Everything Talkin About It: www.talkinaboutit.com👉 Connect on IG: @talkin.about.it👉 Share this episode—someone might need it today.Rember to keep talkin about the hard things so you start to appreciate the good!