Don’t Open That Door: Waka Kotahi Throws Drink Drivers into Dark Cocktail of Good Nights Gone Bad

Every week, there are around 500 drink driving offences across New Zealand. While the message to not drink and drive is widely known, many of these drivers have developed a sense of complacency: “They know the drink-driving limits, know the police are out there, and know that drinking increases their chances of crashing – but they’re still willing to take the chance” explains Rachel Prince, Waka Kotahi principal advisor advertising, “They’ve made a habit of risking the unknown.”

It’s these complacent drink drivers across New Zealand that 'DOORS' confronts with the harsh reality that it could all go wrong in an instant.

Showing a cross-section of Kiwis and some familiar drinking moments, the spot shows that bad ends to good nights don’t start the moment drink drivers skid off the road, get busted by the cops, or overshoot that corner. They’re triggered the moment they make the call to open their car door.

Clemenger BBDO Wellington ECD, Brigid Alkema, said their aim is to tap into a crucial moment of decision: “We’re planting a seed of doubt before people are even sitting in their driver’s seat. Interrupting that carefree, floaty, drunken feeling with the hard realities of what could happen – before it actually happens. DOORS shows that the choice to not drive in the first place is a choice to not crash, to not to get busted, to not to ruin your night.”

The piece was brought to life by production company Good Oil and director Joel Kefali. Known for his vibrant visual style, Joel enjoyed applying his hand to a darker tone: “The relaxed feelings brought on by drinking, and the very negative consequences of drink driving was an interesting juxtaposition to explore.”

The launch piece is followed by short-form versions of each consequence, showing how each call to drive can turn bad fast.