More than 280 people were arrested on Essex roads for drink and drug driving in December.
Police officers made 139 drug driving arrests, 118 drink driving arrests, and made a further 26 arrests of people who failed to provide a specimen – a total of 283.
Temporary chief inspector Emma Bullock, head of roads policing, said: “Sadly we continue to see people their safety and those of other road users at risk.
“Driving with alcohol or drugs in your system can have a significant impact on your ability behind the wheel.
“We know that in many cases drug drivers are habitual drug users – it’s part of their daily routine.
“We also know that many people don’t realise there’s a drug driving limit or that you can test positive for drugs in your system days after you’ve last taken them.
“That’s why we continue to work as a partner of Safer Essex Roads Partnership to raise awareness of the issue to try and educate people on drug driving and it’s consequences.
“Because at the end of the day, if you drug drive you could lose your licence and that could mean you can’t work so you could lose your job. If you lose your job you might not be able to pay your bills so you might lose your home.
“Even worse, you could kill someone. Is the high worth the low?
“We are now entering another period where we’re being asked to stay home to save lives but I want to reassure you that my officers will continue to be out in your communities keeping you safe on the road.”
Nicola Foster, chairman of SERP said: “Last year we launched Vision Zero, the vision and goal that no one dies or is injured on our roads in Essex. We all have a responsibility to work towards this, whether it’s driving within the speed limits or putting your phone out of reach or not driving under the influence of drink and drugs.
“We see every single report of death and injury on our roads and the devastation they cause to families. They are absolutely avoidable so please do not contribute to this heartache, not during a pandemic and not ever.”
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