JUST one more drink – the four words which could send someone’s world spiralling out of control.

It’s the temptation, particularly during the Christmas party season, that many face, but anyone taking up the offer could see their life change for ever.

The consequences can be horrific for drivers caught drink-driving, with the prospect of them being banned from driving for 12 months and facing up to a £5,000 fine.

The impact of their drinking could lead to them losing their job and even their home, if they can no longer keep up with payments.

However, the consequences for any victim of a drink-driver are far harder to contemplate.

While the person behind the wheel could face 14 years in prison, in the worst cases a family can be left mourning a loved one.

That is something the family of 22-year-old Sam Matkin have had to deal with.

Mr Matkin, from Burrs Way, Corringham, died in December 2006 after his car was hit in a head on crash by Njabulo Nyathi, who was driving the wrong way down the London-bound A13.

Nyathi, a factory worker formerly of Rokescroft, Pitsea, was more than three times the drink-drive limit when he failed to spot the no entry signs on the road.

He was sentenced to five years in jail before being deported back to Zimbabwe, but for members of the victim’s family, the tragedy has left a gaping hole in their lives.

Sam’s mum Christine Matkin, 60, from Stanford-le-Hope, said: “It still seems like yesterday we lost Sam. People assume because it has been five years now, we should be getting over what happened, but I don’t think I ever will.”

It was after a three-hour binge that Nyathi got into his Nissan X-Trail and drove for a mile the wrong way down the A13, ignoring drivers trying to warn him and swerving out of his way.

Nyathi was found to have 244mls of alcohol in his bloodstream – the legal limit is 80mls.

Mrs Matkin said: “It is just such a waste of life – just because this guy decided to have a drink and get into his car.

“There should be zero tolerance when it comes to drink-driving. That is, you cannot have any alcohol and get into a car. There are so many different strengths of wines and beers so people do not know whether they are under or over the limit.”

Essex Police hope people will heed the warning, but are taking no chances.

From the start of this month until, January 1 extra officers are patrolling towns like Basildon and Southend, with bustling night-time economies, to catch drink-drivers.

So far, 1,663 drivers have been tested for drink-driving and already 53 have come back positive for being over the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Last December, 181 people in Essex took to the wheel of their car while over the legal limit.

Adam Pipe, casualty reduction manager for Essex Police, said: “Unfortunately, there are a few people out there who persistently drink and drive who are a danger not only to themselves, but everyone around them.”

A recent operation on Canvey saw 172 drivers stop-checked by officers. And while no instances of drink-driving were recorded, that single operation saw ten vehicles seized because of having no insurance, one man was arrested for failing to pay a fine, and 63 drivers were warned about the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt.

Mr Pipe said: “It was about sending a strong message to the public that we are out there, and there is a good chance you could get caught and dealt with if you do not obey road laws.”

Mrs Matkin added: “If we can stop just one person from drink- driving it is worth it.”