Thousands of kids walked to school Wednesday taking part in International Walk to School Day.
In Volusia County, it was a day to raise awareness about pedestrian safety after dozens of students were hit by cars while walking to school last year.
Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson met up with students at Deland Weslyan Church and then walked with the kids to Blue Lake Elementary school promoting pedestrian safety.
The county has made pedestrian safety a big priority and has done everything they could from paving sidewalks, adding streetlights and school zones as well as holding emergency meetings for parents.
By this time last school year in Volusia County, half a dozen students were struck either walking or biking to class, the first accident happening on the second day of school.
So far this school year in Volusia County, no crashes involving vehicles and students have been reported.
On International Walk to School Day the Orange City community remembered Brandon Vera, 16, who was killed last school year walking to University High School when he was hit by a car.
His death also sparked state leaders from the Department of Transportation and Congressman John Mica to talk about ways to improve student safety on the streets.