There were 765 people arrested for driving under the “influence of an intoxicant” between 1 December and 5 January, according to the latest figures from An Garda Síochána.
Over half, 56%, were for driving under the influence of alcohol and 44% were drugs releated.
The figures also show there were 26 road deaths and over 70 serious crashes during this period.
A total of 190 people died on roads last year.
Gardaí carried out 10,000 checkpoints throughout December and early January.
They said 26,500 drivers were detected for speeding offences and nearly 3,000 vehicles were seized for a range of offences, with just under 60% seized for having no insurance.
One motorist was found to be driving 119km/h in a 50km/h zone on the Drummartin Link Road, Dublin 14.
While another driver was found to be travelling 185km/h in an 80km/h zone on the N80, Clonegal, Co Carlow.
Gardaí also issued 1,700 Fixed Charge Notices to drivers found to be using a mobile phone and 450 others were given fines for not wearing seatbelts.
Gardaí have appealed to drivers to never drive under the influence, drive within the posted speed limit, never drive while distracted and always wear a seatbelt.
‘Never ever drive while intoxicated’
Chief Inspector David Harrington said while gardaí are increasing enforcement there needs to be a change in attitudes towards road safety.
Speaking at Garda Headquarters in Dublin, he appealed for drivers to change their behaviour.
“We need to focus on never ever drive while intoxicated,” he said.
“Never exceed the posted speed limit or the road conditions, which is particularly pertinent at this time of year, where the road conditions may dictate that you drive at far less than the posted speed limit.
“Never drive while distracted. Mobile phones being a very primary point of distraction, but there are other distractions,” Chief Inspector Harrington said.
He added: “Driving requires your full focus and attention and always wear your seatbelt.”
Chief Inspector Harrington also said people should call gardaí if they see a friend or loved one going to drive a car if intoxicated.
He said the organisation is focused on increasing the number of gardaí in road policing units “where possible”.
However, he added that enforcement alone would not be enough to reverse the trend which saw the numbers of lives lost on the roads rise from 171 in 2024 to 190 last year.