SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. --- For the 17th year, South Walton Fire District firefighters are welcoming students back to school and sharing roadway safety tips through their annual Back-to-School Safe Driving Campaign.
This campaign allows firefighters to not only connect with and inspire students during the first days of school, but also spreads awareness of safe driving practices.
“For us, it has always been about more than responding to roadside emergencies, we want to prevent them in the first place through education,” said SWFD Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez. “As school gets back in session, our roadways can become more congested, and we know motorists will be receptive to our message around those school zones.”
The Back-to-School Safe Driving Campaign will take place August 12-14 (weather-permitting) and feature SWFD firefighters waving and holding signs during morning drop-off times. Their signs are brightly colored and contain friendly reminders to drive safely, but ultimately, the campaign reaches beyond sharing safety information.
“For parents, children, and school staff, the first days of school come with understandable nerves and stress,” Sanchez said. “Year after year, we see the smiles and excited faces appear at the sight of our firefighters, and suddenly those nerves are forgotten. Our crews have a lot of fun with it knowing this has a positive impact for all who drive by.”
SWFD would like to wish all local students, faculty, staff, and parents a great school year. When driving in local school zones, please remember these safety tips:
• Yield to pedestrians or students crossing at crosswalks when school zone flashers are blinking
• Always stop for crossing guards who are holding up a stop sign
• Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds, and in residential areas, especially during drop-off and pick-up times
• Abide by all school zone speed limits
• Never pass a school bus when the stop arm is extended, and its lights are flashing
• Provide enough room between your vehicle and a school bus to allow children to safely enter and exit the bus
• Be alert and put down all distractions when driving
Walton County School District, Florida