Avoid risky driving

The Greenville Police Department (GPD) wants to remind everyone to drive safe.  And remember, it's more than avoiding drunken driving. Any form of impaired driving — including driving while drowsy or on medication — can be hazardous to your safety and that of others on the road.  According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the top risky driving practices are: 

• Drunk driving. Keep this in mind for your next party or get-together. 
• Drug-impaired driving. With colds and flu’s happening in the wintertime, know that over-the-counter and prescribed medicines can also impair your driving ability.  
• Lack of seat belts. Use them, they save lives. 
• Speeding. Avoid speeding, and make sure to yield when required.  
• Distracted driving. Texting while driving leads to accidents.  
• Drowsy driving. Avoid driving while sleep-deprived or drowsy — it can be just as deadly as drunk driving. On long drives, take a break to stretch every 45 to 60 minutes. Drivers are the drowsiest from midnight to 6 a.m., as well as late afternoons.