Police have caught more than 170 drivers for drink or drug driving in the first half of December alone, including one in an overturned car and another whose vehicle was found in a bush.
The staggering number of offences committed between December 1 and 16 comes as officers across Kent ramped up patrols to catch offenders as the festive period kicked off.
Officers have been carrying out stop checks and testing people involved in crashes for the presence of alcohol and illegal substances that impair their ability to drive.
In a Kent Police video, body-worn footage captured by an officer shows a car wedged in a bush in Imperial Way, Ashford, on Sunday.
The driver, a 20-year-old woman, was arrested at 7.45am on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drink and drugs, in addition to driving without a licence or insurance.
She has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Meanwhile, a car was seen on its side in Allington Road, Paddock Wood, on Friday.
The driver, a 56-year-old woman, was arrested at 7.45pm on suspicion of drink driving following a collision with another vehicle.
She has been released on bail pending further investigation.
No serious injuries were reported in either of the collisions.
A total of 50 drink-drivers were caught, while there were 46 suspected drug-driving offences, 56 motorists caught being unfit to drive due to impairment through drink or drugs, and 20 who failed to provide a specimen for testing.
It is part of a police campaign and national Operation Limit initiative, which aims to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured during the festive period and runs throughout this month.
Ch Insp Craig West, head of roads policing for Kent Police, said: “Driving while impaired by drink or drugs is one of the leading causes of serious road collisions, alongside speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone or other electronic device at the wheel.
“It is an incredibly selfish and dangerous act, and we make no hesitation in arresting offenders and bringing them before the courts, where they face losing their licence and gaining a criminal record.
“Our officers tackle drink and drug driving every day, but this annual campaign is about raising awareness of the risks in the hope of preventing a family from losing a loved one this Christmas.
“If you’re planning to visit family, attend a party or go shopping over the coming weeks, please do not drink or take drugs before driving. If you intend to drink, arrange alternative transport to get home safely.”
