Back to School Safety
Most children think of school as their second home – a place where they feel safe. On Thursday, August 8, students will return to school and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind motorists to allow for extra traveling time and be alert for school zones and school buses. The fine for failing to stop for a school bus in Walton County is $161.00. Motorists are prohibited by state law to pass a school bus that is displaying a “stop” signal. All traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop for school buses that are stopped, displaying the “stop” signal. Traffic traveling in the opposite direction is exempt from stopping if the roadway is separated by a fence or other physical barrier or by an unpaved median at least five feet wide. The Sheriff’s Office asks all drivers, especially teenagers to drive safely and defensively. Using hand held devices greatly increases risk for traffic crashes. Keep your attention on the road and remember if you are caught speeding in a school zone fines range from $151.00 to $451.00.
The Sheriff’s Office works extremely hard with the Walton County School District to implement new programs and provide students with the safest learning environment through our School Resource Deputy Program. There are currently 15 dedicated officers that are placed in the elementary, middle and high schools. Sheriff Adkinson encourages parents and students to contact their School Resource Deputy at any time for any reason.
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Catherine Rodriguez
Public Information Officer
Walton County Sheriff’s Office
850.951.4798 Office
850.855.0299 Cell
