Mixed Meds

The lethal drug combinations found in real deceased drivers

Creative Concept / Copywriter

NZ Transport Agency


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Some prescriptions hurt rather than heal.

78% of New Zealand drivers who die in drug-related crashes don’t have just one substance in their system. They have a combination. Often prescription medication is one of them. These drivers are Mixed Driving.
This impairment is introduced with an unsettling line of Mixed Meds: a range of mixed substances commonly found in deceased drivers. Making the unseen causes of harm on our roads visible and visceral.
The range gained attention from medical professionals, drivers on medication and Police. Mixed Driving has now been established as a new state of impairment, building public support for the introduction of roadside testing of 20 legal drugs in 2023.

Designed with the help of pharmacists, every detail was designed to evoke a sense of unease.

The @MixedDriving cabinet on Instagram let people explore each mix, and learn about their risks.

Medical Experts
and Emergency Responders became the voices of the campaign, unboxing the Mixed Meds live on camera.

"The level of craft and art direction on a complex topic will help save lives with this highly original design solution. It preempts a larger issue looming for Aotearoa inventing a new language and narrative in an unexpected way."

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