The Dorset police and crime commissioner (PCC) has called for tougher action on drug driving.
He made these calls after new national figures showed an increase in drug-related driving deaths.
The reports highlighted that fatalities linked to drug driving have now overtaken those involving drink driving in some parts of the UK.
David Sidwick, Dorset PCC and APCC joint lead for substance misuse and addiction, said: "Since becoming PCC, I have continually raised concerns about drug driving.
"Too often this reckless behaviour is treated as a secondary issue instead of being given the attention it deserves to make a real difference."
The Department for Transport (DfT) report indicates that one in ten fatal accidents involved people impaired by illegal substances, an increase from 6.2 per cent in 2022.
In Dorset, the force recorded 554 drug driving arrests in 2024, up from 486 in 2023 and 286 in 2022.
The PCC added: "These latest national figures are deeply alarming and show why I have previously called for the law to go further in punishing this behaviour, sending a unequivocal message to anyone thinking of getting behind the wheel while under the influence.
"Together we can all play our part in bringing down these figures."
Share