It’s back to school time in QC, and the Queen Creek Police Department reminds residents to slow down, avoid distractions and obey posted signage. Everyone has a role to play in keeping Queen Creek safe, whether you have a child returning to school or you drive in the area of a school. 

Safety tips for motorists:

• Avoid distractions, including cell phones
• Take extra caution in school zones and slow down
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings – children are often unpredictable
• You must stop for school buses with flashing lights or an extended stop sign

Safety tips for pedestrians:

• Always walk on a sidewalk and use crosswalks
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Don’t listen to headphones while walking or riding a bike
• Never walk while texting
• Use the buddy system
• Never cross the street while using an electronic device, always look both ways

If riding a bike:

• Know the traffic rules – cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists
• Ride with the flow of traffic
• Always wear a helmet 

Safety tips for school bus riders:

• Be alert and aware of surroundings - look for the bus and listen for traffic
• Stand away from the roadway 
• Never walk behind the bus
• Only cross the road in designated crosswalks - look both ways and watch for traffic 

By focusing on the road, obeying traffic laws and using common courtesy, motorists can drive to arrive, keeping Queen Creek roadways and students safe. 

As a reminder, Arizona State law (ARS 28-857) requires motorists to stop for school buses with flashing lights or an extended stop sign, unless the school bus is stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway/roadway (i.e. there is a physical barrier between the opposite lanes of travel such as a raised median, guardrail, or other longitudinal barrier system). 

If you have traffic-related concerns, please call the non-emergency line at 480-358-3500 or submit them using SeeClickFix, available via app or QueenCreekAZ.gov/SeeClickFix (please note that SeeClickFix is not monitored 24/7). In an emergency, please call 9-1-1. 

In addition to traffic safety efforts, QCPD is reminding the community about the power of words. As students are returning to the classroom, officers encourage students to be kind, use social media responsibly and understand that threats - both in person and online - have consequences. QCPD also encourages parents to have these important conversations, reminding their kids to think before they post and be respectful of others. 

For more information, please visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/SafetyTips. To stay updated on events and activities, follow the Town on Facebook.com/QueenCreek or X.com/TownofQC.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Lamis, Public Information Officer

480-416-8509

QCPIO@QueenCreekAZ.gov