ANY time someone gets behind the wheel of a car they have to be aware they have a responsibility to keep themselves, their passengers, other road users and pedestrians safe.

But if you have been taking drugs and decide to drive then the risk of something going horribly wrong rises exponentially.

The figures released by Essex Police over the number of drug drivers arrested last month are staggering.

For the first time ever, the county’s officers have apprehended more drug drivers than drink drivers.

And there are reasons to explain why that may be the case like better means of testing people at the roadside.

But it is still genuinely shocking.

Casual drug users are seemingly unaware of how long substances can stay in the system - often much longer than alcohol does - and the impact it can have on their driving which is worrying for them and the wider public.

As Adam Pipe says in his impassioned plea, anyone driving under the influence is being unbelievably reckless not just with their own lives but with the lives of others.

There needs to be a clear message sent that drug driving is simply unacceptable.

It is beyond dangerous, beyond irresponsible.

A driving ban is mandatory for anyone convicted of this offence.

And courts should not be afraid of making an example of people who fall foul of the laws.

Anyone taking drugs and driving must pay the price...before someone else does.