Impaired driving up 74% in Abbotsford, B.C., prompting new signage campaign

A new signage campaign is highlighting recent locations where police have nabbed impaired drivers in Abbotsford, B.C. (Handout)

A surge in impaired driving incidents in B.C.’s Fraser Valley has prompted a new signage campaign to encourage road safety – and to urge witnesses to report dangerous behaviour behind the wheel.

The Abbotsford Police Department said officers have pulled 345 motorists off the road for alcohol or drug impairment so far this year, up from 198 over the same period in 2024.

That’s an increase of 74 per cent.

In a statement, Sgt. Paul Walker attributed some of the increase to more robust enforcement on the part of police, but said there “appears to be a significant rise” in impairment as well.

“We are committed to understanding the underlying causes and addressing this issue head on,” Walker said.

To raise public awareness, the APD has partnered with ICBC and Mothers Against Drunk Driving on a signage campaign to highlight the locations where officers have nabbed impaired drivers on a weekly basis.

The bright red signs read “Impaired driver caught here,” and include a prompt for witnesses to call 911.

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