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South Walton Fire District firefighters will welcome students back to school and share roadway safety tips starting August 11, 2025, in the 18th Annual Back-to-School Safe Driving Campaign.
This campaign aims to build a connection with students during the first days of school while also spreading awareness of safe driving practices.
“This time of year brings not just increased traffic to our local roadways, but also some nerves for students, parents, and even teachers,” said SWFD Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez. “With this campaign, we are able to combine the safety messages with a smile and take some of the pressure off the first day of school.”
The Back-to-School Safe Driving Campaign will take place August 11-13 (weather-permitting) and feature SWFD firefighters holding brightly colored signs during morning drop-off times. The signs also contain friendly reminders to drive safely.
“Our crews tend to have just as much fun with this as the students do,” Sanchez said. “We take a lot of pride in this tradition knowing it’s something the community looks forward to every year. When we do receive that positive feedback from the parents, it’s a reminder of why we do the jobs we do.”
SWFD would like to wish all local students, faculty, staff, and parents a great school year. All motorists are encouraged to remember the following 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
For any parents or guardians needing help with a car seat installation, contact South Walton Fire District for information regarding a Free Car Seat Safety Check appointment
South Walton Fire District firefighters will welcome students back to school and share roadway safety tips starting August 11, 2025, in the 18th Annual Back-to-School Safe Driving Campaign.
This campaign aims to build a connection with students during the first days of school while also spreading awareness of safe driving practices.
“This time of year brings not just increased traffic to our local roadways, but also some nerves for students, parents, and even teachers,” said SWFD Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez. “With this campaign, we are able to combine the safety messages with a smile and take some of the pressure off the first day of school.”
The Back-to-School Safe Driving Campaign will take place August 11-13 (weather-permitting) and feature SWFD firefighters holding brightly colored signs during morning drop-off times. The signs also contain friendly reminders to drive safely.
“Our crews tend to have just as much fun with this as the students do,” Sanchez said. “We take a lot of pride in this tradition knowing it’s something the community looks forward to every year. When we do receive that positive feedback from the parents, it’s a reminder of why we do the jobs we do.”
SWFD would like to wish all local students, faculty, staff, and parents a great school year. All motorists are encouraged to remember the following 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 timesAbide 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 busBe alert and put down all distractions when driving
For any parents or guardians needing help with a car seat installation, contact South Walton Fire District for information regarding a Free Car Seat Safety Check appointment