A DRUG and drink-driving crackdown has led to 50 arrests across the county in a single week.

A total of 28 people were arrested for offences relating to drug-driving, while a further 22 were arrested for drink-driving following roadside checks.

Consuming alcohol or taking drugs is one of the most common causes of collisions which result in death or serious injuries on the roads in Sussex, police said.

Police say the "fatal five" factors are drink and drug-driving, excess speed, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone or being distracted and driving in a careless, inconsiderate or dangerous manner.

Last year, Sussex Police made 257 arrests as part of its winter crackdown. Of these, 137 arrests were for drug-driving, 111 were for drink-driving and nine were for both drink and drug-driving.

From August 1 to September 1 this year, officers will be carrying out additional checks as part of the annual summer crackdown.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “There is no excuse for being behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming drugs or alcohol.

“It is the responsibility of every road user to make sure they abide by the law and that they are not putting themselves or other road users at risk.

“The fact we made 257 arrests and stopped more than 6,000 motorists in our last campaign, demonstrates our officers’ determination to catch offenders and keep our roads safe.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne added: “I fully support Sussex Police in their ongoing campaigns to crack down on collisions caused by the ‘Fatal 5’.

“By driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you are committing an unforgiveable act and gambling with your own and other people’s lives.

“It is vital that we all understand the risks, including that someone can still be over the limit the next morning and that drugs can remain in a person’s system for a long time.

“It truly isn’t worth the gamble - your friends and family don’t deserve a knock at the door telling them their loved one has been seriously injured or killed on the road.”

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder said: “It cannot be said enough how much drink and drug-driving can ruin lives.

“Drink-driving is something that is becoming more socially unacceptable but unfortunately, we are seeing more and more drug-driving on our roads.

“As always, we will deal extremely robustly with these offenders through a combination of measures including education and enforcement, with a special emphasis on reducing casualty rates of vulnerable users like motorcyclists and young drivers.

“Technology now allows us to test drivers at the roadside there and then for drugs, which allows us to be more effective in how we tackle drug driving and means that drivers who are breaking the law, will be caught.

“Alcohol and drugs affect everyone differently, so do the right thing, don’t risk it and arrange alternative ways home if you are planning on going out.”