This holiday season, Abbotsford residents are receiving heartfelt, personalized reminders to drive safe and sober.
The Abbotsford Police Department (APD), in partnership with BC Liquor Stores, the Abbotsford School District, and ICBC, has again launched the Think of Me Campaign.
The bag-decorating program originally started as a co-operative project, with the idea that BC Liquor Store customers would see a road-safety message created by a child in their community and pause to think about the impact drinking and driving could have on that child and others.
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More than 1,100 Think of Me bags were designed by Abbotsford middle and high school students this year. The paper bags are adorned with colourful images and powerful messages.
“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 schools.
According to ICBC, on average 16 people are killed and 830 injured in 1,500 impaired-driving-related crashes in the Lower Mainland every year.
“If your holiday festivities involve alcohol, plan ahead for a safe ride home,” said Tanis Hatch, local ICBC road safety co-ordinator. “There’s no excuse to drink and drive. Arrange a designated driver, call a taxi or take transit – there are so many options to get home safe.”
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