"EL CARRO NUEVO" 1976 ANTI-DUI DRINKING AND DRIVING AWARENESS FILM

About

Made by the L.A. County Alcohol Safety Action Project, "El Carro Nuevo" (1976) is an anti-drinking and driving film that targets Mexican-Americans. This film tells the story of Rosa, a determined woman learning to drive to gain independence and support her family. Despite resistance from her husband Ramón—who clings to traditional gender roles and frequently drinks—Rosa persists, taking driving lessons and staying focused on helping buy a new family car. Tensions arise over her growing confidence, especially as she confronts the dangers of drunk driving, which the men around her often dismiss. A turning point occurs when Rosa successfully gets her license, while Ramón faces legal consequences for repeat DUI offenses. In the end, Rosa is empowered and in control—literally driving her family forward, while Ramón reflects on his missteps. The story highlights gender dynamics, responsibility, and the impact of alcohol on families. The film was directed by Frank Lisciandro, with the script by Lisciandro and Alejandro Nogales. Cinematography by Doug Ryan. The film was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

0:00 Main titles and shots of Hispanic dance halls, ballrooms, tap rooms and Mexican-American bars in Los Angeles, advertising cerveza and birria. A group of friends chats at a bar, debating who will pay for drinks. They joke and tease, revealing personal dynamics and financial concerns.

3:04 – Rosa is taking a driving lesson. The instructor encourages her, complimenting her progress and teaching her about defensive driving amid dangerous drivers like drunk motorists.

4:28 – The instructor warns that half of U.S. traffic fatalities involve alcohol, and 2 million injuries occur annually due to drunk driving.

5:08 – At home, Rosa’s family discusses the earlier driving incident. Tensions rise between Rosa and Ramón, who disapproves of her lessons and resents her independence.

6:21 – Rosa explains her motivation to keep working: to help pay for a new car, a family goal she and Ramón had agreed on.

7:37 – The family excitedly shops for a new car. They discuss colors and features, bonding over the shared experience.

8:39 – Rosa expresses plans to get her driver’s license. Doña Mercedes is inspired, asserting that older women can achieve anything too.

9:54 – Rosa prepares to take the girls for a ride in the new car, but Ramón protests because she doesn’t yet have her license.

10:09 – Ramón and his friend downplay the effects of alcohol on driving, insisting they can still safely take the girls for a ride.

11:17 – Rosa has an accident. There is panic, but ultimately, Rosa is safe, and she receives her driver’s license.

12:00 – Rosa confidently states she will drive the family in the new car. Friends joke about how long it will take her to officially pass her exam.

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Archive

Wikimedia Commons, in Wikimedia Commons

Licence or status

Public domain, as the Wikimedia Commons states it.

Rights statement

Public domain

Credit

The film was directed by Frank Lisciandro, with the script by Lisciandro and Alejandro Nogales. Cinematography by Doug Ryan. The film was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Made by the L.A. County Alcohol Safety Action Project

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