Abbotsford Students Launch Creative Anti-Drunk Driving Campaign

Local students in Abbotsford, British Columbia, have taken a creative approach to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving this holiday season. They designed distinctive paper bags for liquor stores featuring eye-catching illustrations and slogans aimed at encouraging responsible driving. This initiative is part of the “Think of Me: Don’t Drive Impaired” campaign, organized by a coalition that includes Angry Otter Liquor, the Abbotsford School District, ICBC, and the Abbotsford Police Department.

The bags, which number around 1,300, showcase messages such as “keep the cheer; skip the steer,” “jingle all the way into a taxi,” and “don’t be a goober, get an Uber.” The artwork features humorous depictions, including Santa posing for a mugshot and the Grinch with a suspended driver’s license. These bags will be distributed at various Angry Otter Liquor locations throughout the city.

According to ICBC, an average of 65 people die each year in British Columbia due to crashes involving impaired driving. In a statement regarding the campaign, Duane Dougan from ICBC emphasized the importance of planning for a safe ride home during the festive period. “Celebrate responsibly by relying on a designated driver or choosing rideshare, taxi, or transit,” he said. “Together, we can make our roads safer and protect lives in our communities.”

The Abbotsford Police Department has been proactive in addressing impaired driving, having removed 1,182 impaired drivers from the roads in 2025 alone, with eleven of those arrests occurring just last Saturday night. In a message to the public, Sgt. Paul Walker highlighted the serious consequences of impaired driving. “This holiday season, we want you to make it home safely to your loved ones,” he stated. “Choose to drive responsibly and ensure a safe reunion with your friends and family.”

This student-led initiative not only provides a creative outlet for young artists but also serves a crucial purpose in promoting safety within the community. As the holiday season approaches, the campaign aims to remind everyone to prioritize sober driving, ultimately reducing the number of impaired driving incidents and enhancing road safety for all.