staff report

WALTON COUNTY — Local first responders teamed up with South Walton High School on Tuesday to highlight the dangers of distracted and intoxicated driving as the school prepares for prom night.

Walton County Fire Rescue firefighters and Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies were joined by South Walton Fire District, Florida Highway Patrol, Clary Glenn Funeral Home, All Pro Towing and South Walton High School staff and drama students to portray a fatal car crash and the subsequent emergency response by local first responders.

The students gathered in the high school’s football stadium to see the consequences of driving while distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol — which can include including killing someone, possibly one of their friends, as well as being arrested for crimes as serious as vehicular homicide.

“Our goal is for the students to take a lesson from these demonstrations and use good judgment to hopefully prevent tragic events like these in the future,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson.

After the presentation, guest speakers Renee Napier and Eric Smallridge shared their story with the teens to emphasize the dangers of making the decision to drive while distracted or under the influence.

A banner displaying the question “How Are You Getting Home?” was hung in South Walton High School’s cafeteria to remind students to commit to safe driving.

“Our children are our most important assets, and keeping them safe and giving them the wisdom they need to make good decisions will always be our first priority,” Adkinson said.