P.E.I. police department threatens to punish drunk drivers with Nickelback
Police in the small town of Kensington, Prince Edward Island, have devised an unusual punishment for impaired drivers that may have some musical aficionados covering their ears.
The Kensington Police Service recently took to its Facebook page to issue a PSA advising residents against drinking and driving during the holiday season. It warns that drunk drivers can expect a ride to the police station with a certain Canadian rock band’s music blaring in the background.
“So, the Holiday Season is upon us and that means more social events, staff parties and alcohol based libations,” the post reads.
“Now, with that being said, know that the Kensington Police Service will be out for the remainder of year looking for those dumb enough to feel they can drink and drive. And when we catch you, and we will catch you, on top of a hefty fine, a criminal charge and a year’s driving suspension, we will also provide you with a bonus gift of playing the office’s copy of Nickelback in the cruiser on the way to jail.”
Impaired drivers who are caught by police will be forced to endure a cassette tape of Nickelback’s 2001 album, Silver Side Up, which contains tracks such as, ‘Never Again,’ ‘Too Bad‘ and ‘How You Remind Me.’
“Now, now, no need to thank us…we figure if you are foolish enough to get behind the wheel after drinking then a little Chad Kroeger and the boys is the perfect gift for you,” the post continues.
“So please, let’s not ruin a perfectly good unopened copy of Nickelback. You don’t drink and drive, and we won’t make you listen to it.”
The Nickelback-themed punishment was devised by Const. Robb Hartlen, who runs the social media presence for the police department.
Speaking to Vice News, Hartlen explained that he thought humorously tapping into the hate (earned or not) that Nickelback has acquired over the years would be a fun way to connect to the community, while spreading an important message.
He also made it clear that the tongue-in-cheek Facebook post isn’t trying to be insensitive or downplay how very serious the problem of drinking and driving is.
“It’s not that we think it’s not a serious message. It’s that police are viewed as this stoic, stone-faced entity,” he told Vice News.
“People listen better when they can relate.”
And now all the Kensington Police Service needs to do to make good on its threat is find a police cruiser with a working cassette player.
