Airdrie RCMP and students from local schools have partnered to share a message of safe driving over the holidays.

Cst. Dan Martin explained a fellow RCMP member came up with an idea to promote safe driving in a new way. After a little work, local schools and liquor stores came on board.

"Brown paper bags supplied by Sobey's liquor stores and Calgary Co-op liquor stores here in Airdrie have been decorated with quite colourful illustrations and messages from several schools, and they are promoting safe driving habits."

The bags are already being distributed with liquor purchases, and serve as a reminder not to get behind the wheel if you've been drinking.

Good Shepard, Our Lady Queen of Peace, A.E. Bowers, Nose Creek, Windsong Heights, Cooper's Crossing, Heloise Lorimer and Heron's Crossing all took part.  Martin estimates each student involved worked on one bag.

"Each bag is individually designed by a different student. There's approximately 3,500 bags that have been decorated, so it is a very unique piece of art and we're quite happy that the young people of our community are getting involved in helping get the message out as well."

Martin said the problem of drinking and driving does persist in the community, and he hopes drivers will receive the message they are spreading and find safe ways to get home over the holidays.

 

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