The Crossroads / La Encrucijada

  • The full mural depicts a driver at the crossroads.
  • During the research stage, the youth used a speed sensor to test how fast cars travelled on a local road.
  • The youth artists paint one half of the main message, “Maneja Sobrio.”
  • The team grew together as friends and as ambassadors for the issue of ending DWIs.
  • At the dedication, the team and community partners reflect on the transformative influence of this mural.
  • The “your choices matter to us all” sign shows how it is each driver’s responsibility to drive sober.

Project Description

In collaboration with the NYC DOT and Bogopa Service Corporation, Groundswell youth artists served as ambassadors for safer streets by creating a 2,000-square foot collaborative mural that seeks to stop Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). "The Crossroads / La Encrucijada", located on a Food Bazaar Supermarket, reminds New Yorkers that their choices matter when it comes to reducing DWI crashes.
 
The design for "The Crossroads / La Encrucijada" explores the consequences of driving while intoxicated. At the center, a man driving is at a crossroads of a decision. To the left, the mural depicts a bright red, hazy cityscape that signifies the effects of drinking while intoxicated. To the right, the mural has harmonious, cool colors with a scene of peace. The design gives its viewers the opportunity to observe the two options they have when facing the decision of driving while intoxicated. The phrase "Maneja Sobrio / Drive Sober” captions the mural in a bold declaration.
 
"It has been a joy working with the youth to better educate them on Vision Zero and develop this mural that will remind New Yorkers of the dangers of driving while under the influence," said NYC DOT Assistant Commissioner for Education and Outreach Kim Wiley-Schwartz. "Thanks to Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and Groundswell, residents in the South Bronx will have a daily reminder of the potential tragedies of DWI."

 

 
 
 
⇒ Download educational curriculum (pdf)

 

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Project Info

Fun Facts

Question about the Mural
How does the color schemes of the mural’s two halves add to its symbolism?
Impact
"Using the knowledge that I have gained during the summer, I am able to create dialogue with my peers and others about the efforts to stop DWI-related crashes across the city." – Malikah Mahone, youth artist
Research
When driving impaired, motorists are four times more likely to get into a crash than a sober driver.