Essex Police have launched their Christmas anti-drink and drug driving campaign as they pass on the message that: “If you drink or drug drive, you could kill yourself or someone else.”

The campaign, accompanied with the hashtag #howitfeels, is running throughout the month of December and will focus on the experiences of Essex Police officers and how it feels to attend serious collisions.

Inspector Rob Brettell, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is stupid, reckless and irresponsible.

“Drink and drugs affect your ability to react while behind the wheel. Sadly we’re still seeing people taking the risk.

“My message this Christmas is drive safe, drive sober.”

The Essex Police Twitter page is already Tweeting out short quotes from officers alongside hashtag.

One officer said: “If you’d spent 40 minutes trying to resuscitate an innocent driver, you’d understand why we’re so passionate about what we do.”

Officers will be carrying out proactive operations throughout the campaign but Inspector Brettell says the community can play a part in keeping our roads safe too.

He added: “Information and intelligence from the public is really important to help us identify those breaking the law.

“If you see someone you believe is drink or drug driving or if you’ve got information about someone who does it regularly, I need you to call us and let us know.”