Abbotsford Police Launch Crackdown on Impaired Driving After Alarming Rise in Incidents

By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | April 17, 2025

The Abbotsford Police Department is stepping up its fight against impaired driving following a troubling surge in incidents across the city. As of early April, officers have already removed 345 impaired drivers from the roads in 2025—a staggering increase from the 198 recorded during the same period in 2024.

In response, Abbotsford Police have launched a targeted awareness and enforcement campaign aimed at reversing this dangerous trend before the spring and summer months, when impaired driving cases typically spike even higher.

A Wake-Up Call for the Community

The dramatic rise has caught the attention of law enforcement, civic leaders, and public health advocates alike. Police Chief Mike Serr described the current situation as “deeply concerning,” noting that the increase is not just about numbers—it’s about lives at risk.

“Impaired driving is one of the most preventable causes of death and injury on our roads,” Chief Serr said in a statement. “We’ve already stopped 345 impaired drivers this year. That’s 345 opportunities to prevent a tragedy—but it’s also 345 signs that more needs to be done.”

New Campaign: Education and Enforcement

The Abbotsford Police campaign combines high-visibility enforcement with public education, including roadside checks, media outreach, and partnerships with local schools, community groups, and health services.

As part of the campaign, officers will be increasing their presence on major routes and in high-risk areas during peak hours. In addition to alcohol impairment, police are also on alert for drug-impaired driving, especially in light of the ongoing opioid crisis and rising use of cannabis and prescription medications behind the wheel.

The message is clear: no impairment is safe impairment.

The Toll of Complacency

Despite years of public education and significant penalties for impaired driving, police say some drivers are still taking the risk—endangering themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road.

“People think it won’t happen to them. They assume they’re fine to drive after ‘just a couple’ of drinks or smoking a joint. But we’re seeing the consequences firsthand,” said Sgt. Judy Bird, speaking to Global News. “Every impaired driving incident we prevent is potentially a life saved.”

Community Support and Involvement

Local organizations, including MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), have applauded the police department’s renewed focus and called on community members to speak up and report suspected impaired drivers when they see them.

“We can’t leave this all on the shoulders of law enforcement,” said one MADD volunteer. “If you’re a friend, a host, or even a bystander, you have the power to intervene. Offer a ride. Call a cab. Say something. It matters.”

The Road Ahead

The campaign will continue through the spring and summer, with checkpoints, public service announcements, and school visits designed to reach drivers of all ages—especially younger motorists, who remain overrepresented in impaired driving statistics.

With 2025 already on track to surpass previous years for impaired driving cases in Abbotsford, police hope that proactive engagement and community awareness can help curb the trend before more lives are lost or altered forever.

“Abbotsford is a caring community,” Chief Serr said. “Let’s prove it—by choosing to drive sober, and by doing everything we can to keep our roads safe.”

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.

She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

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