Image: Dale Klippenstein, copyright, used with permission via AbbyPD

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Impaired driving

AbbyPD, partners unveil road safety campaign amid 74% increase in impaired driving this year

Apr 2, 2025 | 8:49 AM

ABBOTSFORD — Amid a surge in impaired drivers the first three months of 2025, the Abbotsford Police Department has unveiled a road safety campaign in partnership with ICBC and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) that will advise motorists exactly where impaired drivers have been caught in the community.

Sgt. Paul Walker says Abbotsford police officers have already taken 345 impaired drivers off the roads in 2025, a 74 per cent increase from the 198 drivers removed during the exact same period in 2024.

“The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) remains committed to road safety in the community, ensuring all road users reach their destinations safely,” AbbyPD Sgt. Walker said. “As part of AbbyPD’s three-pillar strategy—prevention, education, and enforcement— AbbyPD, in collaboration with ICBC and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), is introducing a visual reminder.”

Roadside signs will be placed throughout the community to highlight the weekly locations where AbbyPD officers have apprehended impaired drivers. Sgt. Walker says these markers will serve as a reminder to all road users about the devastating impacts of impaired driving. Additionally, they will remind the community to report any suspected impaired drivers to the police.

“While our increased enforcement efforts have contributed to these numbers, there appears to be a significant rise in impaired driving incidents,” Sgt. Walker said. “We are committed to understanding the underlying causes and addressing this issue head-on.

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“We’re pleased to contribute to this campaign which shares our goal of reducing impaired driving and the devastating impacts on communities,” said Tanis Bieber, local road safety and community coordinator with ICBC. “All impaired driving crashes are preventable, and it starts with planning a safe ride home – before you start drinking. Use a designated driver, call a taxi or rideshare, or take transit.”

MADD says there’s no grey area when it comes to impaired driving.

“Impaired is impaired. Making the choice to drive while under the influence is senseless and can have devastating impacts. Risking the lives of our fellow community members is not a choice that anyone should be making,” said Andrea Angers, a community leader from MADD Upper Fraser Valley.