April Fool's Day: Abbotsford police release silly Attitude Adjuster 3000 video

Distracted driving is no joke in B.C., but Abbotsford police have found a way to remind people on April Fool's Day not to do it.

The force's new video opens with a serious-looking Const. Ian MacDonald addressing the camera by saying:

"What do people think of when they think of Abbotsford? Blueberry cannons," he said. "What do people think of when they think of police? Donuts.

"We've decided to combine these two things in our next road side initiative."

Enter the "Attitude Adjuster 3000," a fake blueberry cannon with timbits or donuts as ammunition to be used at all intersections in Abbotsford to sanction drivers for distracted driving infractions.

The weapon is later renamed 'Community Engager 100', and made gluten-friendly as MacDonald goes on to test it on other officers and family members.

The tongue-in-check video does end with a serious message about distracted driving.

According to ICBC, distracted driving is the second highest contributing factor in fatal crashes — the first is speed.

Not the 1st prank

The silly video is not out of character for the Abbotsford Police department.

In 2012, the force sent Christmas cards to repeat offenders in the city with an image of Santa dressed as a SWAT member, holding an assault rifle with the message: 'Which list will you be on next year?'

The following year the force issued a more penitent card which featured Abbotsford Police Department Chief Bob Rich dressed as Santa, but this time, Mr. Claus is shown writing lines on the chalkboard as a stern-looking Mrs. Claus looks on.

"I will not play with guns. I will not play with guns...," Santa writes.

Surrey RCMP and New Westminster police also issued videos for April Fool's Day.