This is the moment a Mazda crashes into a tree at high speed, preventing it from hitting pedestrians on the pavement.

Footage shows three passersby and a dog walking on the pavement when the Mazda suddenly appears in Miedzyrzecz, Lubusz Voivodeship, western Poland, on Monday, November 18.

The vehicle strikes the tree, destroying the front of the car and its engine compartment before bouncing off and stopping by a house wall.

The video then shows firefighters working at the scene.

Polish police said: 'In Miedzyrzecz, a serious road incident occurred.

'A 42-year-old driver of a Mazda, travelling at high speed, lost control of the vehicle and drove onto the pavement, where he crashed violently into a tree.

'Fortunately, the tree acted as a barrier, stopping the vehicle and preventing a potential tragedy by protecting nearby pedestrians. The driver refused to undergo a breathalyser test, so a blood sample was taken from him.'

The driver could face up to three years in prison, a driving ban of up to three years, and a financial penalty of at least PLN 5,000 (GBP 960.85) if the tests confirm he was drunk.

The investigation is ongoing.