“She gets up and pours herself a strong one & stares out at the stars up in the sky – then takes a taxi because she doesn’t drive impaired.”
That’s just one of many tweets posted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland (@RCMPNL) on July 13, when The Eagles were headlining at the annual Salmon Festival. An outdoor party featuring five big name bands is bound to attract an exuberant and boisterous crowd – some of whom might have their wits dipped in alcohol.
Rather than get all preachy-teachy on the subject of driving safely, the Mounties took their message – and a sense of humour – to Twitter. They cleverly wrapped their message in lyrics from Eagles hits. Here are just a few.
- “Already Gone” to see the Eagles at the Salmon Festival? Traffic is heavy. Take your time. RCMP members are patrolling the TCH. [Trans Canada Highway]
- Keeping some “Fast Company” on your way to see The Eagles at Salmon Festival? RCMP members will be watching for speeders. Take your time.
- It’s going to be a “Heartache Tonight” if the RCMP pulls you over for impaired driving at Salmon Festival. Designate a driver.
- “You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes” If you’re driving impaired at Salmon Festival the RCMP will find you.
- Jail is no “Hotel California” Enjoying Salmon Festival? Designate a driver, take a taxi or walk. Don’t drink& drive.
- “I can’t tell you why” some people drink & drive but we can stop them. At Salmon Festival? Don’t let friends drink & drive.
- Enjoying “Life in the Fast Lane” on your way to Salmon Festival? Check your rear view mirror. The RCMP are behind you.
- “New Kid in Town?” The RCMP police Grand Falls Windsor & they brought in extra patrols for Salmon Festival weekend. So don’t drink & drive
- Are you one of those drivers who “Tale it to the Limit?” The RCMP is looking for aggressive drivers on the way to Salmon Festival.
- “Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light. My heart grew heavy & my sight grew dim. I had to stop for the night.” Don’t drive tired.
- “It’s a girl my Lord in a flat-bed Ford slowin’ down to take a look at me” If she’s a designated driver jump in! Don’t drink & drive.
It’s too early to tell if the campaign was a success. It sure caught a lot of attention judging by the retweets and positive comments, such as “I’m not at Salmon Festival, but I’m enjoying the tweets from @RCMPNL” and “@RCMPNL Safe to say you won Twitter today. Amazing work. Genius engagement.” I have to agree.