SANDPOINT — A familiar summer scene stretches across the back of one SPOT bus: people boating and barbecuing by the lake, all while the sun sets behind the mountains. 

Against the pastel-yellow backdrop of a summer sky, the phrases "Party Smart" and "Choose a Safe Ride" appear in bold lettering. 

The lakeside mural came to life through a grant awarded by the Idaho State Liquor Division to Selkirks Pend Oreille Transit and the North Idaho DUI Task Force. Both organizations collaborated on the application to promote safer roads in North Idaho. 

Whether individuals have a designated driver or take a taxi home, the ad, which will stay on the back of the bus for the remaining summer months, encourages people to ditch impaired driving. 

SPOT offers free transportation in the greater Sandpoint area and limited routes between Bonner and Boundary counties, with 11 buses helping residents access essential services, employment and everyday errands. 

Although the public transit system doesn’t operate in the later hours of the evening, when drunk driving is more likely, the ad serves to encourage all North Idaho residents to choose a safe way home. 

“Since we're that free alternative, they could opt for that when we’re running,” said Donna Griffin, executive director for SPOT. 

Griffin said she hopes the ad will encourage citizens to think ahead by creating a plan to return home safely before leaving for a night out. 

The artwork was created by Griffin's friend, Kim Herpst. After reading the grant description, Herpst was able to come up with a design. 

"It became a fun opportunity to get the word out with a really colorful, nice message," said Griffin. "It just catches everyone's attention because it's a nice scene." 

The ad has since received several compliments from community members, Griffin said. 

"It's been nice to know that, at least it's been getting attention at that level and hopefully, it carries further," said Griffin. "We just hope that one person will remember that message and take that safe alternative."