RIGHT NOW@KOAT.COM. ALL RIGHT. GRADUATION PARTIES HAPPENING ACROSS THE STATE. A GOOD REASON TO CELEBRATE. BUT FOR MANY TEENS, ALCOHOL MAY BE PART OF THAT PARTY. LAW ENFORCEMENT IS URGING STUDENTS AND PARENTS TO PLAN AHEAD, KNOW THE RISKS, AND JUST MAKE SMART DECISIONS BEFORE THE CELEBRATING BEGINS. ALYSSA MUNOZ IS LIVE THIS MORNING IN THE NEWSROOM. ALYSSA. FOR PARENTS AND TEENS HAVING THESE CONVERSATIONS, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR THEM THIS MORNING? ROYALE MIGUEL. FIRST, WE WANT TO SAY A BIG CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2026. SUCH A HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT. BUT THIS IS THE FIRST OF MANY. THE LAST THING YOU WANT TO DO IS START YOUR ADULT LIFE WITH A DWI. THE BERNALILLO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAYS THEY EXPECT A LOT OF HOUSE PARTIES, WITH MANY 18 YEAR OLDS RENTING AIRBNBS. THEY REMIND THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 TO STAY AWAY FROM ALCOHOL AND DRUGS. AND IF YOU’RE DRINKING, DON’T DRIVE. FOR PARENTS, TALK TO YOUR KIDS AND COME UP WITH A SAFETY PLAN. PLEASE DON’T BE AFRAID TO CALL YOUR PARENTS. I WOULD I WOULD MUCH RATHER RESPOND TO A PHONE CALL THAT MY CHILD OR A NEPHEW OR NIECE HAS BEEN DRINKING AND GO PICK THEM UP. THEN RATHER THAN CARE ABOUT THEM GETTING ARRESTED, GETTING IN TROUBLE, OR GETTING KILLED. ALSO, TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT BINGE DRINKING. ACCORDING TO THE CDC, FEDERAL HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY ROUGHLY 4000 PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 DIE EACH YEAR FROM
Law enforcement urges safe graduation celebrations across New Mexico
As graduation parties ramp up, deputies are reminding students and parents to plan ahead, avoid underage drinking and make safety the top priority
Graduation parties are happening across the state, and law enforcement is urging students and parents to plan ahead, know the risks and make smart decisions before celebrating. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office says they expect many house parties, with numerous 18-year-olds renting Airbnbs. Officials are reminding those under the age of 21 to avoid alcohol and drugs and to never drink and drive. For parents, the sheriff’s office advises talking to their kids and creating a safety plan. “Please don’t be afraid to call your parents. I would much rather respond to a phone call that my child, or a nephew or niece has been drinking and go pick them up rather than hear about them getting arrested, getting in trouble, or getting killed,” said BCSO Sgt. Rubel Tafoya. Parents are also encouraged to discuss the dangers of binge drinking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, federal health officials say roughly 4,000 people under the age of 21 die each year in the U.S. from excessive alcohol use.
Graduation parties are happening across the state, and law enforcement is urging students and parents to plan ahead, know the risks and make smart decisions before celebrating.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office says they expect many house parties, with numerous 18-year-olds renting Airbnbs. Officials are reminding those under the age of 21 to avoid alcohol and drugs and to never drink and drive.
For parents, the sheriff’s office advises talking to their kids and creating a safety plan.
“Please don’t be afraid to call your parents. I would much rather respond to a phone call that my child, or a nephew or niece has been drinking and go pick them up rather than hear about them getting arrested, getting in trouble, or getting killed,” said BCSO Sgt. Rubel Tafoya.
Parents are also encouraged to discuss the dangers of binge drinking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, federal health officials say roughly 4,000 people under the age of 21 die each year in the U.S. from excessive alcohol use.
