A new commercial being aired in Montana takes an unusual approach to reducing drunk driving. The ad, while amusing, has drawn some criticism. After all, if you’re drunk, does your horse count as a designated driver? or should you get a ticket for riding drunk?
What do you think? Shouldn’t he be wearing a helmet?
riding a “equine vehicle” while impaired risks injury to the horse . No doubt, the behavior of the intoxicated i would think qualifies as cruelty to an animal.
Hi Liz! Great blog… Really interesting posts! I like this Montana-centric PSA a lot because it is very authentic and gets the “designate a friend” message across in a memorable, clever way. Since it is not realistic that a seriously impaired person’s horse could visit the bar, I think this is really genuine in getting folks to think about how they are getting home before you drink.
Hey Julie, Nice to see you here! We’ll turn you into an equestrian next.
very cute ad!
I like it too. Having seen my share of drunken riders, (not pretty, not safe: especially in a group) I still think this is a hoot. I would say yes, if the choice is between a horse and a car, and the horse is “ranch broke”, get on, and drop the reins. The only one who is going to get hurt is the rider. Much more thoughtful than slamming your car into someone! 😉
Yes, that horse should DEFINITELY have on a helmet! I dunno, Liz, I think the whole thing is a spoof of beer ads, right down to the music and the timing of the edits.
I have rewritten this commercial a couple of times. What if the guy came out of the bar with his pals and one said, “hey, Jimmy, you better not drive, hand over the keys.” And another, “Butch, you got the number? will you call his ride?” Then they stand around teasing him until the horse ambles up. They put a helmet and a bull rider vest on him and remind the horse to go slow. Then. “Home, Skeeter! Where the hay is!” And off they go.
What do you think of the “I was just buzzed” ads that have been airing in Boston?
I think that anything that calls attention to drunk driving alternatives is good. And sometimes it may take masquerading things as a beer ad to get people to watch. At least, I think that’s what they did.
I thought the ad was pretty funny but have seen a lot of criticism of it too. I just think you can’t take it too literally.
But, then again, the horse stopped at a red light, so maybe he knows what he’s doing!
Maybe the most interesting thing of all is that the taxpayers of the state of Montana paid for this commercial!