Image: Abbotsford Police Department / The AbbyPD has partnered with Angry Otter, SD34 and ICBC to initiate the "Think of Me Don't Drive Impaired" initiative to remind motorists to take extra care on local roadways. The program delivers a thoughtful, personalized road safety message on a paper bag with liquor store customers created by a student in their community and allows them to pause to think about the impact drinking and driving could have on that child and others.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Brown bag campaign in Abbotsford

Abbotsford students design holiday-themed brown bags to remind motorists not to drink and drive

Dec 22, 2023 | 8:55 AM

ABBOTSFORD — One person dies every single day in British Columbia as the result of vehicular crashes involving impaired driving in the province.

Several agencies in Abbotsford, including the Abbotsford Police Department, Abbotsford School District and ICBC, in partnership with Angry Otter Liquor stores in Abbotsford, are trying to address this grim statistic in a partnership designed to get residents to think about alcohol consumption and operating a motor vehicle.

This holiday season, Abbotsford residents may receive a heartfelt, personalized reminder to drive “safe and sober” on community roadways. According to ICBC, on average, 64 people die every year in crashes involving impaired driving within British Columbia.

The AbbyPD has collaborated with Angry Otter, SD34 and ICBC to initiate the “Think of Me Don’t Drive Impaired” initiative to remind motorists to take extra care on local roadways. The program delivers a thoughtful, personalized road safety message on a paper bag with liquor store customers created by a student in their community and allows them to pause to think about the impact drinking and driving could have on that child and others.

Over 800 Think of Me bags were designed by Abbotsford middle and high school students this year. These brown sleeve bags are decorated with colourful images and powerful messages important to local youth.

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Jack Nicholson, CEO of Otter Co-op and Angry Otter Liquor, notes, “Angry Otter Liquor is here to proudly serve our members and guests in our local community. Being a community builder in all the neighborhoods we live, work, play and do business in is both a core value to our Co-operative and something we take immense pride in. 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.”

“There’s no excuse to drink and drive,” said Tanis Bieber, 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.”

Sean Nosek, superintendent of schools for the Abbotsford School District, said, “Our full support goes towards the efforts of the Abbotsford Police Department and ICBC in this important public awareness campaign, aimed at fostering a safer environment for our community.”

Impaired driving has devastating consequences. AbbyPD and its partner agencies, along with Angry Otter, want Fraser Valley residents to arrive home safely to friends and family this holiday season.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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Abbotsford students design holiday-themed brown bags to remind motorists not to drink and drive

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