LIVID! Learning, Insights & Voices on Impaired Driving

About LIVID! Learning, Insights & Voices on Impaired Driving

LIVID is a podcast born from heartbreak and driven by hope. Hosted by Amanda Bickell, a mother whose daughter was a faultless fatality of an impaired driving collision, this series confronts the question: Why is impaired driving still claiming lives in Canada? Through raw conversations, expert insight, and the lived experiences of families, advocates, and survivors, LIVID explores the cultural, legal, and emotional realities that keep impaired driving alive. Each episode invites listeners to learn, reflect, and act, because understanding is the first step toward change. You too will be LIVID

Publisher

Amanda Bickell

Category

true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Mar 2026

Latest episode

17 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Aug 2026

   Episode 10: Reid Davidson Part 2 - Legacy and Injustice

   What happens when the person responsible for your child’s death dies before the case ever reaches trial? In Part 2 of my conversation with Lisa Davidson, mother of Reid Davidson, we explore two very different sides of life after Reid’s tragically preventable death. We share the extraordinary ways a community keeps someone’s memory alive, and then we talk about the painful questions that remain when the justice process suddenly ends. Reid was killed after being struck by an impaired driver in Nanaimo, British Columbia, on July 19, 2023. His family expected a long journey through the Canadian criminal justice system. But part way through, just days before a scheduled pretrial conference, the accused died in custody. There would be no trial. No opportunity for Reid’s family and friends to deliver victim impact statements. And no courtroom where the evidence surrounding Reid’s death would finally become clear. Lisa shares what happened next as her family tried to obtain answers—including a ten-month wait for the fruits of a freedom of information request. But why go to through all of that? Knowing what happened can’t bring Reid back. To explain, we talk about why those answers matter, why the official process impacts very real parts of the aftermath, and how the only official indication Lisa has received identifying drugs or alcohol as a factor is a notation in the police report stating “drugs/alcohol involved: yes.” But this episode is also about what cannot be redacted: Reid’s life and the impact he continues to have. Lisa shares the remarkable ways Reid’s family, friends and communities honour him, from memorial soccer and golf tournaments and scholarships to RD13 appearing on soccer jerseys and a travelling memorial card that accompanies friends and family around the world. We also discuss Lisa’s growing involvement with MADD Canada, her work to re-establish the MADD Kamloops chapter, and why advocacy has become another way of honouring Reid. Because remembering who Reid was matters, but so does telling the truth about why he is no longer here. This is a conversation about grief, remembrance, impaired driving, victims’ rights, unanswered questions, the Canadian justice system, and the determination of one family to keep saying Reid’s name. Reid was doing nothing wrong. He should still be here. Topics & keywords: Reid Davidson, Lisa Davidson, impaired driving Canada, drunk driving, impaired driving causing death, MADD Canada, MADD Kamloops, victims of impaired driving, victims’ rights Canada, criminal justice system Canada, British Columbia impaired driving, Nanaimo BC, Kamloops BC, Freedom of Information Canada, police report redactions, victim impact statements, bereaved parents, child loss, grief after sudden death, road safety, preventable deaths, impaired driving awareness, memorial scholarships, LIVID Podcast, Learning Insights and Voices on Impaired Driving

2. 

   3 Aug 2026

   Episode 09: Reid Davidson Part 1 - A Life that Connected People

   On July 19, 2023, two young lives were violently ended by impaired driving in BC. While Amanda Bickell's daughter, Abbey, was killed in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Reid Davidson was driving home in Nanaimo when an impaired driver crossed onto the wrong side of a divided highway and struck his vehicle head-on. Reid was airlifted to hospital, where he fought for his life before passing away the following day. In this deeply personal first episode of a two-part conversation, Amanda sits down with Lisa Davidson, Reid's mother, to tell the story behind the headlines. Lisa shares memories of Reid's joyful childhood, his love of soccer, his gift for bringing people together, and the close friendships that continue to shape his legacy. She also recounts the devastating phone call that changed her family's life forever, the long overnight journey to Vancouver Island, and the precious final hours spent at Reid's bedside. Throughout the conversation, Amanda and Lisa discover the remarkable parallels between their families' experiences, not only losing their children on the same day, but navigating the unimaginable reality of sudden loss, trauma, and grief. This episode is ultimately about far more than tragedy. It is about a son who was deeply loved, a family forever changed, and the enduring power of community in the darkest moments of life. In Part 2, Lisa returns to discuss the extraordinary legal challenges that followed after the impaired driver died before facing court, the unanswered questions that remain, and the inspiring ways Reid's family and friends continue to honour his life and advocate for change. If this conversation resonates with you, please subscribe to LIVID!, leave a review, and share the episode. Every conversation helps raise awareness about the devastating and preventable consequences of impaired driving. Keywords: impaired driving, drunk driving, road safety, victim impact, Reid Davidson, Lisa Davidson, Amanda Bickell, Abbey Bickell, LIVID Podcast, MADD Canada, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, BC impaired driving, Nanaimo crash, British Columbia, grief, bereaved parents, child loss, trauma, healing, advocacy, criminal justice, road safety awareness, dangerous driving, survivor stories, life after loss. References: https://globalnews.ca/news/9853416/nanaimo-suspected-drunk-driver-fatal-crash/ (https://globalnews.ca/news/9853416/nanaimo-suspected-drunk-driver-fatal-crash/)

3. 

   29 Jun 2026

   Episode 08: One of the Good ONES+

   Can we change the conversation around drinking and driving without changing the way we celebrate? In this episode of LIVID!, Amanda Bickell sits down with Taylor Gwynne from ONES+ Winery, www.drinkones.com (http://www.drinkones.com) one of Canada's pioneering producers of premium alcohol-free wine, to explore how innovation is reshaping the way we think about social drinking, celebration, and personal responsibility. Long before the explosion of the non-alcoholic beverage movement, ONES+ recognised that consumer attitudes were changing. More people were looking for sophisticated alternatives that allowed them to enjoy the ritual of sharing a glass of wine without the effects of alcohol. Whether motivated by health and wellness, pregnancy, recovery, athletic performance, medication, religious beliefs, or simply the desire to drive home safely, today's consumers are proving that enjoying the occasion doesn't have to mean consuming alcohol. Taylor shares the entrepreneurial story behind ONES+, what it was like to launch one of the first Canadian alcohol-free wineries in the market, the challenges of building an entirely new category, and how customer attitudes have evolved over the years. Together, Amanda and Taylor discuss changing drinking culture, the rise of the sober curious movement, why younger generations are drinking less, and how restaurants, retailers, and hospitality businesses are embracing premium alcohol-free options. As with every episode of LIVID!, the conversation returns to the issue of impaired driving. This episode isn't about criticizing people who choose to drink alcohol. It's about encouraging a simple but life-saving idea: separate alcohol and driving. Quality alternatives like ONES+ make it easier than ever to enjoy celebrations, dinners, weddings, holidays, and nights out without having to choose between participating and getting home safely. The goal isn't to eliminate alcohol from our culture—it is to eliminate the expectation that alcohol and driving can ever safely coexist. Whether you're a wine lover, entrepreneur, hospitality professional, designated driver, someone exploring mindful drinking, or simply interested in the future of alcohol-free beverages, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a hopeful vision for creating safer communities while preserving the moments that bring us together. In this episode we discuss: The founding story of ONES+ Winery Building one of Canada's first premium alcohol-free wineries The growth of the non-alcoholic wine market Why younger generations are drinking less The sober curious movement Mindful drinking and wellness Consumer trends in alcohol-free beverages Hospitality and retail adoption Impaired driving prevention Creating safer choices without sacrificing social connection Why alcohol-free alternatives can help save lives If this conversation resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who believes we can build a culture where celebrations and safe roads go hand in hand. Keywords: LIVID! Podcast, Amanda Bickell, Taylor Gwynne, ONES+ Winery, ONES Plus, alcohol-free wine, non-alcoholic wine, dealcoholized wine, sober curious, mindful drinking, designated driver, drink responsibly, impaired driving prevention, road safety, zero alcohol wine, alcohol alternatives, wellness, social drinking, alcohol-free lifestyle, safer roads, responsible choices. https://www.poured.ca/cover-story/navigating-canadas-changing-drinking-culture/ (https://www.poured.ca/cover-story/navigating-canadas-changing-drinking-culture/) https://www.frankiewesaluteyou.com/our-story (https://www.frankiewesaluteyou.com/our-story) https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/alcohol/low-risk-alcohol-drinking-guidelines.html (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/alcohol/low-risk-alcohol-drinking-guidelines.html) https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2023-05/Canadas-Guidance-on-Alcohol-and-Health-poster-2023-en.pdf (https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2023-05/Canadas-Guidance-on-Alcohol-and-Health-poster-2023-en.pdf)

4. 

   8 Jun 2026

   Episode 07: How Bad Was Our Luck? The Hidden Numbers Behind Impaired Driving

   When a loved one is killed by an impaired driver, people often call it "bad luck." But how likely is it, really? And how accurately does Canada track the true impact of impaired driving? In this powerful episode of LIVID (Learning, Insights, and Voices on Impaired Driving), host Amanda Bickell examines the statistics, data collection practices, and systemic shortcomings surrounding impaired driving in Canada following the death of her daughter, Abbey. Drawing on her background in business, analytics, and performance measurement, Amanda asks a deceptively simple question: What are the odds of being killed by an impaired driver? What begins as a search for answers becomes a revealing investigation into how Canada measures—and often fails to measure—the country's leading criminal cause of death and injury. This episode explores: Why reliable impaired driving data is surprisingly difficult to find How inconsistent reporting methods distort the national picture The impact of Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) and roadside checkstop programs What Edmonton's data reveals about the prevalence of impaired driving The difference between impaired driving charges, convictions, and actual fatalities Why many victims never "count" in official statistics The challenges facing police, courts, coroners, and policymakers The human cost of bureaucracy, delayed reporting, and inconsistent enforcement Why measurement matters if Canada hopes to reduce impaired driving deaths Amanda also shares insights gained from attending the MADD Canada Victim Services Conference, where families from across the country described their experiences navigating grief, justice, and a system that often leaves victims feeling invisible. This episode challenges listeners to rethink the way impaired driving is discussed in Canada. Beyond the numbers lies a difficult truth: these deaths are not simply the result of bad luck. They are the consequence of choices—individual choices, community choices, and societal choices. If Canada wants to reduce impaired driving, it must first be willing to measure it accurately. Keywords: impaired driving, drunk driving, drug-impaired driving, road safety, criminal justice, MADD Canada, Mandatory Alcohol Screening, checkstops, roadside testing, impaired driving statistics, impaired driving deaths, victim advocacy, traffic safety, public policy, data collection, RCMP, driving under the influence, DUI, grief, loss of a child, victim impact, Canada, Amanda Bickell, LIVID Podcast, impaired driving awareness, road crash fatalities, criminal law, prevention, public safety. References for this episode are available on the LIVID website at https://www.lividpodcast.ca/episodes

5. 

   25 May 2026

   Episode 06: Rebecca’s Legacy — Turning Grief Into Purpose After Impaired Driving Loss

   What happens after the funeral is over… and the world expects you to move on? In Episode 6 of LIVID! (Learning, Insights, and Voices on Impaired Driving), host Amanda Bickell speaks with Connie Beatty, a fellow bereaved mother she met through MADD Canada Victim Services. Like Amanda, Connie’s life was permanently divided into before and after when an impaired driver killed her 22-year-old daughter, Rebecca, and her friend Anastasia on October 3, 2021. That day Rebecca had plans with her friend. They went for sushi. They stopped at Dairy Queen for Blizzards. They never got to eat them. Just minutes later, an impaired driver crossed the centre line and crashed head-on into Rebecca’s Nissan Versa, killing both young women instantly. In this raw and deeply moving conversation, Connie shares what no parent should ever have to endure: The moment police arrived at her door with devastating news The trauma of not being able to say goodbye to her daughter Planning a funeral while living in complete shock Watching the criminal justice system unfold during a dangerous driving and impaired driving trial Writing a victim impact statement Supporting surviving siblings through unimaginable grief Learning how marriage, family relationships, and identity change after traumatic loss Connie also shares how she has transformed unimaginable grief into meaningful advocacy work to honour Rebecca’s legacy.  Through her annual “Blizzard for the Girls” memorial, she invites people to buy a Blizzard in memory of Rebecca and Anastasia. Through her MADD Hatter Mother’s Day Tea Party fundraiser, she raises money and awareness for MADD Canada while encouraging safer choices around alcohol consumption. And through annual trips to celebrate Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions, Connie found a powerful cultural model for remembering loved ones openly—something many grieving families feel is missing in North American culture. This episode explores: ✔ impaired driving awareness ✔ drunk driving prevention ✔ grieving the loss of a child ✔ surviving traumatic loss ✔ victim impact statements ✔ criminal sentencing in impaired driving cases ✔ sibling grief after loss ✔ bereaved mothers ✔ grief advocacy ✔ MADD Canada victim support ✔ healing after tragedy ✔ honouring loved ones after death Connie’s story is heartbreaking, but it’s also filled with courage, resilience, and purpose. If you’ve been impacted by impaired driving, grief, traumatic loss, or want to better understand the lifelong consequences of impaired driving fatalities, this episode is an important listen. Subscribe to LIVID! for real stories, expert insights, victim advocacy conversations, and education aimed at preventing impaired driving deaths #ImpairedDriving #DrunkDrivingAwareness #GriefPodcast #MADDCanada #VictimImpactStatement #BereavedParents #ChildLoss #RoadSafety #VictimAdvocacy #HealingAfterLoss #DayOfTheDead #PodcastInterview #TrueStories #LIVIDPodcast

6. 

   27 Apr 2026

   Episode 05: Why Victims' Stories Don't Stop Impaired Driving

   Why does impaired driving still happen after decades of heartbreaking victim stories, awareness campaigns, police crackdowns, and public outrage? In Episode 5 of LIVID: Learning, Insights, and Voices on Impaired Driving, Amanda Bickell asks a difficult question many people are afraid to say out loud: What if victim stories are not enough to create change? After losing her daughter Abbey to an impaired driver, Amanda examines why emotional appeals, memorial campaigns, tragic headlines, and pleas from grieving families have failed to end one of Canada’s deadliest preventable crimes. This episode explores: • Why cautionary tales often fail to change behaviour • Why many impaired drivers believe nothing bad will happen to them • How sentencing realities weaken deterrence • Why empathy-based messaging may miss the highest-risk offenders • Canada’s struggle between individual rights vs collective safety • Why anti-impaired-driving groups are outspent by alcohol marketing • Whether awareness campaigns can truly solve the problem • The staggering $29.25 billion annual cost of impaired driving in Canada • What every Canadian is already paying for this crisis Amanda also explores whether a different message—financial consequences, personal accountability, and collective responsibility—may be more effective than emotional appeals alone. This is not an attack on victims sharing their stories. It is a challenge to ask whether Canada has relied on the wrong strategy for too long. Because while we wait for awareness to work… More people die. More families grieve. More stories are ignored. LIVID is a Canadian podcast confronting impaired driving through grief, truth, research, justice, and solutions. Content Warning: This episode discusses death, traumatic loss, impaired driving, grief, and failures within the justice system. If this episode matters to you: • Share it • Talk about impaired driving • Intervene when someone is about to drive impaired • Call 911 when necessary Real change starts with uncomfortable conversations. References: madd.ca/pages/impaired-driving/overview/statistics/ canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/national-impaired-driving-prevention-week.html madd.ca/pages/national-impaired-driving-prevention-week-stronger-action-needed-to-stop-impaired-driving/ rcmp.ca/en/bc/kelowna/news/2026/04/4351820#s7 wikipedia.org/wiki/Cautionary_tale share.google/Qj7dscYem9ugu1Vuk thestar.com/news/canada/life-sentence-for-incorrigible-drunk-driver/article_74764fc7-fbc9-5286-b88b-92b11e1afcf9.html canada.ca/en/parole-board/corporate/publications-and-forms/timeline-for-conditional-release.html worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/individualistic-countries helpfulprofessor.com/collectivism-vs-individualism/ cmha.ca/news/only-13-of-canadians-are-feeling-empathetic/ cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/impaired-drunk-driving-supreme-court-constitution-9.7074077 madd.ca/pages/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MADD-Heroes-PSA-Report_Final.pdf mediaincanada.com/2021/05/31/alcohol-ad-spending-is-on-the-rise-report/ publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/dprtmntl-rslts-rprt-2023-24/hrz-hzl-en.aspx archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/archive/pre2001/1999/1876.asp madd.ca/pages/impaired-driving/overview/the-financial-cost-of-impaired-driving/ canada.ca/en/department-finance/services/publications/annual-financial-report/2025.html #impaireddriving #dui #canada #roadsafety #griefpodcast #justice #MADDCanada #victimrights

7. 

   13 Apr 2026

   Episode 04: Was Justice Served? Sentencing in an Impaired Driving Death Part 2

   After 967 days of waiting, the sentence was finally delivered. In Part 2 of Episode 4 of LIVID: Learning, Insights, and Voices on Impaired Driving, Amanda Bickell shares what happened in court when the man who killed her 22-year-old daughter, Abbey, was sentenced. Four and a half years in prison. A seven-year driving ban. And one question that wouldn’t go away: Was justice actually served? This episode takes you inside the final stage of sentencing—from the defence’s arguments for leniency to the judge’s reasoning, and the emotional aftermath that followed. Amanda breaks down what was said in court and challenges how justice is defined in Canada. You’ll hear:• The 11 mitigating factors presented by the defence• Why claims of remorse, addiction, and “first offence” status are so complex• How Alcohol Use Disorder was treated in sentencing• The role of media coverage—and whether public awareness is considered punishment• How sentencing principles like deterrence and denunciation are applied• Why precedent and parity may be reinforcing a system that isn’t working Amanda also explores four different types of justice—procedural, distributive, retributive, and restorative—and asks whether any of them were truly achieved. Even when the system works exactly as designed, does it actually deliver justice? If sentencing is meant to deter impaired driving and send a message that this behaviour is unacceptable, this episode asks a difficult question: If it’s working… why is this still happening? This is not just about one case. It’s about what we accept, and what needs to change. Content Note: This episode discusses impaired driving, traumatic loss, and grief. Listener discretion is advised. What you Can Do:Share this episode. Talk about impaired driving. Intervene when you see it. Call 911 if needed. Real change starts with uncomfortable conversations. REFERENCES R. c. Walsh, 2005 https://www.canlii.org/fr/qc/qccq/doc/2005/2005canlii10072/2005canlii10072.html (https://www.canlii.org/fr/qc/qccq/doc/2005/2005canlii10072/2005canlii10072.html) Government of British Columbia. Alcohol and drug related driving prohibitions and suspensions https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/roadsafetybc/prohibitions/alcohol (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/roadsafetybc/prohibitions/alcohol) Northcote, J. & Livingston, M. (2011) “Accuracy of Self-Reported Drinking” https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agr138 (https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agr138) Celestine, N. (2020) Prosocial Behavior https://positivepsychology.com/prosocial-behavior/ (https://positivepsychology.com/prosocial-behavior/) PIHL Law Corp. Drunk Driving Not Just a Criminal Problem https://pihl.ca/drunk-driving-not-just-a-criminal-problem/ (https://pihl.ca/drunk-driving-not-just-a-criminal-problem/) Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) https://iiobc.ca/media/iio-concludes-investigation-into-a-july-2023-motor-vehicle-incident-in-burnaby-2023-201/ (https://iiobc.ca/media/iio-concludes-investigation-into-a-july-2023-motor-vehicle-incident-in-burnaby-2023-201/) Nesbit, Ben. CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/she-would-be-furious-this-is-how-her-life-ended-mother-of-woman-killed-in-crash-with-suspected-impaired-driver-speaks-out/ (https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/she-would-be-furious-this-is-how-her-life-ended-mother-of-woman-killed-in-crash-with-suspected-impaired-driver-speaks-out/) RCMP Press Release https://bc-archives.rcmp.ca/ViewPage641e.html (https://bc-archives.rcmp.ca/ViewPage641e.html) Nesbitt, Ben. CTV News (Guilty Plea) https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/man-pleads-guilty-in-impaired-crash-that-killed-woman-in-burnaby-bc/ (https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/man-pleads-guilty-in-impaired-crash-that-killed-woman-in-burnaby-bc/) Maragos, Demetra. CTV News (Sentencing) https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/parents-worst-nightmare-victims-mother-speaks-at-sentencing-for-fatal-bc-crash/ (https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/parents-worst-nightmare-victims-mother-speaks-at-sentencing-for-fatal-bc-crash/) Steacy, Lisa & Maragos, Demetra. CTV News (Sentence Outcome) https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/bc-man-sentenced-to-4-years-in-prison-for-crash-that-killed-woman/ (https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/bc-man-sentenced-to-4-years-in-prison-for-crash-that-killed-woman/) Government of Canada. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/ (https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/) Criminal Code of Canada, s. 718.2(b) https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/section-718.2.html (https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/section-718.2.html) Wikipedia. Justice https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice) Kruse Law. Sentencing for Manslaughter in Canada https://www.kruselaw.ca/blog/sentencing-for-manslaughter/ (https://www.kruselaw.ca/blog/sentencing-for-manslaughter/) Government of Canada. Recidivism Among Impaired Drivers https://www.canlii.org/en/commentary/doc/2011CanLIIDocs627 (https://www.canlii.org/en/commentary/doc/2011CanLIIDocs627)

8. 

   30 Mar 2026

   Episode 03 - Was Justice Served? Sentencing in an Impaired Driving Death Part 1

   On March 12, 2026, the man who killed Abbey was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison and a 7-year driving ban. After 967 days of waiting, the case was over. But instead of closure… there were more questions. In this first part of a two-episode series, Amanda takes you inside the courtroom to break down how sentencing for impaired driving causing death works in Canada—step by step. This episode focuses on the Crown’s arguments, explaining: What the offender was legally convicted of What “driving over 80” actually means How Canadian sentencing principles (Criminal Code s. 718) guide decisions Why punishment is NOT a sentencing principle in Canada The role of denunciation and deterrence in impaired driving cases Why driving is legally considered a privilege, not a right How courts assess aggravating factors like extreme intoxication, dangerous driving, and prior behaviour How case law shapes sentencing outcomes You’ll also hear the emotional reality behind the legal process: 👉 Why understanding the system doesn’t always bring peace 👉 Why “justice” feels complicated—even when the system works as designed This episode offers a rare and powerful perspective: A victim’s family member explaining the legal reasoning behind a sentence they must live with. If you’ve ever asked: Why are impaired driving sentences in Canada so low? How do judges decide sentencing in impaired driving causing death cases? Does the justice system truly deter impaired driving? This episode will give you answers—and raise important new questions. ⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses impaired driving, traumatic loss, and graphic injury. 🎧 The Next Episode, will cover the defence arguments, the judge’s decision, and whether justice was truly served. 📚 References Canada, Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c C-46 (ss. 718, 320.12) https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-121.html (https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-121.html) https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-46.html#h-121299 (https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-46.html#h-121299) R v Suter, 2018 SCC 34 https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/scc/doc/2018/2018scc34/2018scc34.html (https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/scc/doc/2018/2018scc34/2018scc34.html) R v Macleod, 2022 BCPC 297 https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/bcpc/doc/2022/2022bcpc297/2022bcpc297.html (https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/bcpc/doc/2022/2022bcpc297/2022bcpc297.html) R v MacMunn, 2025 ONSC 5884 https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2025/2025onsc5884/2025onsc5884.html (https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2025/2025onsc5884/2025onsc5884.html) BC Motor Vehicle Act, s.148(1) https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96318_05#section148 (https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96318_05#section148) 🔎 Keywords impaired driving Canada, DUI sentencing Canada, impaired driving causing death, criminal code sentencing Canada, drunk driving laws Canada, victim impact justice, deterrence vs punishment, Canadian court sentencing, DUI fatal crash Canada, justice system explained

9. 

   15 Mar 2026

   Episode 02b – My Victim Impact Statement

   What does a victim impact statement in a Canadian court actually sound like? When someone is killed by an impaired driver in Canada, families may speak during a criminal sentencing hearing to describe the real consequences of drunk driving and impaired driving. In this episode of LIVID: Learning, Insights, and Voices on Impaired Driving, host Amanda Bickell shares the victim impact statement she delivered in court after the impaired driver who killed her 22-year-old daughter, Abbey, plead guilty. On February 25, 2026, more than two and 1/2 years after Abbey’s death, Amanda stood in a Vancouver courtroom and publicly described the impact of losing her child. This episode is a recording of that statement. It is deeply personal and emotionally difficult. Amanda recounts her last moments with Abbey, the morning police came to the door, and the devastating responsibilities that follow the sudden death of a child. She describes the reality of traumatic grief, the decisions families must make in the aftermath of a fatal crash, and how a single act of impaired driving can fracture lives, families, and communities forever. The statement also reflects on the life Abbey lived: her strength, values, friendships, and the many possibilities that were taken from her when she was killed. Through this testimony, the courtroom heard not just about a fatal collision, but about a daughter, sister, friend, and young woman whose future was stolen by someone else’s decision to drive impaired. Amanda speaks about the lasting effects of traumatic loss, the pieces of life that are completely destroyed, the pieces that remain but are forever broken, and the ongoing work of learning to live with grief that never ends. This episode contains the full victim impact statement as read in court, shared with the hope that listeners will better understand the real consequences of impaired driving. If hearing this story helps even one person decide never to drive impaired, to stop someone else from doing so, or to report a suspected impaired driver, then Abbey’s story may help make the world just a little safer. Listener discretion is advised. This episode discusses traumatic loss, grief, and the death of a child.

10. 

    15 Mar 2026

    Episode 02a: What’s the Point of Victim Impact Statements?

    Do victim impact statements influence sentencing in Canadian courts? In cases involving impaired driving in Canada, victims and families are often invited to speak during a sentencing hearing, but many wonder whether their words truly matter in the criminal justice system or under the impaired driving laws designed to hold offenders accountable. In this episode of LIVID!: Learning, Insights, and Voices on Impaired Driving, host Amanda Bickell explores the purpose and impact of victim impact statements after delivering her own in court on February 25, 2026, during the sentencing of the impaired driver who killed her 22-year-old daughter, Abbey. Victim impact statements became part of Canada’s Criminal Code in 1988 and are now protected under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (2015), which guarantees victims the right to participate in the justice system and have their statements considered during sentencing. But many victims still ask: Do victim impact statements actually matter? Amanda shares what it was like to prepare and read her statement in a Vancouver courtroom. She describes the emotional labour of writing about devastating loss, speaking directly to the judge and the offender, and the moment when victims’ voices filled the courtroom. In Abbey’s case, 21 victim impact statements were submitted, far above Canada’s average participation rate of about 11%. Research suggests these statements may have limited influence on sentencing outcomes, but they can help judges understand the real harm caused by crime, humanize victims in legal proceedings, and may even reduce the likelihood of reoffending. More importantly, victim impact statements can help victims reclaim their voice. Amanda reflects on the unexpected benefits of the process: honouring Abbey’s life, strengthening relationships among those who loved her, and opening conversations about grief that had been too painful to share. While they may not influence the sentence, victim impact statements can transform the courtroom from a place focused only on legal facts into one where the human cost of impaired driving is heard. In Part 2, Amanda shares the victim impact statement she read in court. LIVID! explores impaired driving in Canada through real stories, research, and honest conversations about loss, justice, and change. Listener discretion advised. References Roberts, Julian V. Victim Impact Statements: Lessons Learned and Future Priorities. Government of Canada. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/cj-jp/victim/rr07_vic4/p1.html#ftn1 (https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/cj-jp/victim/rr07_vic4/p1.html#ftn1) Government of Canada. Victims Rights in Canada: Victim Impact Statements. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/factsheets-fiches/victim-victime.html (https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/factsheets-fiches/victim-victime.html) Government of Canada. Victim Impact Statements. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/sentencing-peine/vis-dv.html (https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/sentencing-peine/vis-dv.html) British Columbia Review Board. Information for Victims. https://www.bcrb.ca/info-for-victims/ (https://www.bcrb.ca/info-for-victims/) MADD Canada. Victim/Survivor Services. https://madd.ca/pages/programs/victimsurvivor-services/ (https://madd.ca/pages/programs/victimsurvivor-services/) Government of Canada. Use of Victim Impact Statements at Sentencing and Parole. https://www.victimsweek.gc.ca/res/r58.html (https://www.victimsweek.gc.ca/res/r58.html) LePage, Kamelle. Canadian Victim Impact Statements. Saint Mary’s University, 2022. https://library2.smu.ca/bitstream/handle/01/30905/LePage_Kamelle_MASTERS_2022.pdf (https://library2.smu.ca/bitstream/handle/01/30905/LePage_Kamelle_MASTERS_2022.pdf) Kahlon, Opinder Singh. Effects of Victim Impact Statements on Sentencing Outcomes. Justice Institute of British Columbia, 2024. https://jibc.arcabc.ca/_flysystem/repo-bin/2024-12/jibc_3559.pdf (https://jibc.arcabc.ca/_flysystem/repo-bin/2024-12/jibc_3559.pdf)

11. 

    2 Mar 2026

    LIVID! Podcast Ep 01: Why I'm LIVID! Let's Start Here

    In the debut episode of LIVID (Learning, Insights, and Voices on Impaired Driving), host Amanda Bickell shares the devastating story that changed her life forever and sparked a call to action on impaired driving in Canada. This episode recounts how Amanda’s 22-year-old daughter, Abbey, was killed by an impaired driver in British Columbia. Through carefully documented, publicly available facts, Amanda explains how a driver travelling at extreme speed, running multiple red lights, fleeing a prior collision, and driving with a blood alcohol level roughly three times the legal limit, ended Abbey’s life in seconds. Abbey and her friend did nothing wrong. She was killed through no fault of her own. Beyond the timeline of the crash in Burnaby and Vancouver, this episode explores the long and painful aftermath: grief, rage, and the slow grind of the Canadian justice system. Amanda speaks candidly about what it means to be a “good victim,” the limitations, and the frustration of waiting years for accountability while an offender remains free. But this is not just a story of loss. It is a reckoning. Amanda questions why impaired driving, despite decades of education, enforcement, and awareness campaigns, remains the leading cause of criminal death in Canada. She asks why data is inconsistent, why court processes take so long, why sentences feel disconnected from harm, and why society continues to tolerate an entirely preventable crime. Drawing on her background in organizational wisdom and systems thinking, she reframes impaired driving as a systemic failure involving law, policy, culture, enforcement, and collective responsibility. This episode also introduces the heart of LIVID: moving from righteous anger to informed action. Amanda explains how the thoughts she could not express in court became the foundation for this podcast, a place to ask hard questions, challenge uncomfortable truths, and amplify voices that demand change. Future episodes will explore law, politics, alcohol culture, trauma, economics, enforcement, prevention, and what zero impaired driving deaths in Canada could actually look like. The episode is dedicated to Abbey, her courage, her voice, and her refusal to stay silent in the face of injustice. Through LIVID, Amanda carries that courage forward, determined to fight for a future where no family receives the knock at the door that shattered hers. Listener discretion advised: This episode contains discussions of impaired driving, traumatic loss, grief, and the justice system. If you care about road safety, criminal justice, victims’ rights, or preventing impaired driving in Canada, this episode is a powerful place to start. 🔔 Subscribe to LIVID for upcoming episodes, expert interviews, case analysis, and updates as this journey continues. 🌐 Learn more and explore references at www.lividpodcast.ca (http://www.lividpodcast.ca/) References: College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University. Understanding Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). Retrieved Feb 21, 2026 from https://www.csbsju.edu/well-being-center/health-promotion/alcohol-guide/understanding-blood-alcohol-content-bac/ (https://www.csbsju.edu/well-being-center/health-promotion/alcohol-guide/understanding-blood-alcohol-content-bac/) British Columbia Prosecution Service. Victim Impact Statement and Statement on Restitution (Information Guide).Retrieved Feb 26, 2026 from https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/criminal-justice/prosecution-service/information-sheets/victim-impact-statements/victim-impact-statement-guide.pdf (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/criminal-justice/prosecution-service/information-sheets/victim-impact-statements/victim-impact-statement-guide.pdf) Government of Canada, Department of Justice https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/sidl-rlcfa/ (https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/sidl-rlcfa/) Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 2024–25 Departmental Plan https://rcmp.ca/en/corporate-information/publications-and-manuals/2024-25-departmental-plan/full-report#t10matchprediction (https://rcmp.ca/en/corporate-information/publications-and-manuals/2024-25-departmental-plan/full-report#t10matchprediction) Statistics Canada https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv!recreate.action?pid=3510017701 (https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv!recreate.action?pid=3510017701) McCarthy, Niall. The Worst Countries in the World for Drunk Driving. Statista, August 16, 2016. https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.kpu.ca:2443/chart/5504/the-worst-countries-in-the-world-for-drunk-driving/ (https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.kpu.ca:2443/chart/5504/the-worst-countries-in-the-world-for-drunk-driving/)

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