This holiday season, Abbotsford residents might receive a heartfelt, personalized reminder to drive safe and sober.
The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) – in partnership with local Angry Otter Liquor Stores, the Abbotsford school district and ICBC – has again launched the Think of Me, Don’t Drive Impaired campaign to remind motorists to take extra care.
The initiative involves middle and high school students decorating paper bags with colourful images and powerful messages. The bags are then distributed to liquor store customers to get them to pause and think about the impact drinking and driving could have on that child and others.
More than 1,000 Think of Me Bags have been created in Abbotsford this season.
“We fully support the work of the Abbotsford Police Department and ICBC to keep our citizens safe and are pleased to collaborate with them on this initiative,” said Kevin Godden, superintendent of the Abbotsford school district.
RELATED: Abbotsford students decorate 1,100 paper bags with anti-impaired-driving messages
According to ICBC, on average, 64 people die every year in impaired-driving crashes across B.C.
“There’s no excuse to drink and drive,” said Tanis Hatch, local ICBC road safety coordinator. “If your celebrations involve alcohol, please plan ahead for a safe ride home – arrange a designated driver, call a taxi or take transit. Help keep B.C. roads safe for everyone this holiday season.”
Jack Nicholson, CEO of Otter Co-op and Angry Otter Liquor, also applauded the campaign.
“Being a community builder in all the neighbourhoods we live, work, play and do business in is both a core value to our Co-operative and something we take immense pride in,” he said.
“We’re especially grateful to partner with these other great community builders to spread the importance of safety and remind our guests and community to take extra care on our roadways this holiday season.”