Insurers operating in Kensington may soon have to thank a rock band—one humorously derided for its formulaic music—for keeping auto insurance rates in the area reasonable.

Over the weekend, Kensington police in the province of Prince Edward Island posted a message on Facebook, threatening motorists “dumb enough” to drink and drive with a soulful listening of Nickelback music, on top of the usual penalties drunk drivers are charged with.

“When we catch you, and we will catch you, on top of a hefty fine, a criminal charge and a years (sic) 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,” the police post said.

“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 enforcers amusingly added.

The Canadian rock band Nickelback, despite being critically acclaimed in the past with international multi-platinum success and Grammy nominations, is now mostly mentioned (thanks to the internet) as a punchline for unimaginative music.

Many have responded to the police force’s post on Facebook, Reuters reported, “dreading” the new “penalty”.

“Police brutality!! Torture!! Inhumane punishment!!” one comment said. “OUCH!! I'd rather be shot ... twice!” another commenter quipped.

Other respondents asked law enforcers if they were saving Justin Bieber - another musician with many critics - for worse offenses.


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