Back to school safety tips for students and drivers

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) - With school starting back soon, the Walton County Sheriff's Office offered some safety tips for children and students as well as drivers trying to navigate the busy season.

With more distractions in traffic, it pays to slow down and pay attention. Drivers should take extra precautions at the beginning of the school year.

-Double check at crosswalks: Come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights to ensure the area is clear. Children and parents alike use crosswalks on their way to and from school.
-Watch for school bus stop signs: When a school bus stops with its red brake lights flashing or its stop sign raised, motorists traveling either direction should stop until all children have safely crossed the roadway.
-Don't rush: The first few weeks of the school year are extra busy, so leave yourself extra time to travel to your destination.
-Driveways: Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully, and watch for children and other pedestrians.
-Distractions: Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down the phone and do not text while driving.

Children and students can help out by taking their own precautions on the way to and from school.

-Cross the street with an adult at crosswalks and traffic signal locations.
-Never run out into the street or cross in between parked cars.
-Walk in front of the bus where the driver can see you and other students.
-Remove headphones and put away phones when crossing the street.

The Walton County Sheriff's Department encourages students and parents in all areas to contact their respective School Resource Officers with questions regarding school safety.

Be careful out there!