It’s back to school time in Queen Creek, and QCPD 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.

QCPD is asking residents, parents and guardians to partner with us to help keep students safe. Increased traffic around schools is expected during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Planning ahead, following school procedures and practicing patience can help reduce congestion and improve safety for everyone. 

Safety tips for motorists:

• Slow down and stay alert in school zones. 

• Avoid distractions, including cell phones. 

• Plan ahead and expect increased traffic during school drop-off and pick-up. 

• Follow school drop-off and pick-up procedures, posted signage and stay in designated areas.

• Never stop or park in crosswalks, sidewalks, intersections, driveways or emergency access areas. 

• Be patient - traffic congestion is expected, but unsafe driving is not. 

• Stop for school buses with flashing lights and an extended stop sign. 

Safety tips for pedestrians:

• Always walk on a sidewalk and use crosswalks.

• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street - never assume they see you or will stop, and always look both ways. 

• Be aware of your surroundings - avoid distractions, including headphones or texting while walking or riding a bike. 

• Use the buddy system. 

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. 

Ride the QC Way: E-bikes and motorized device safety reminders:

• Follow the 15 MPH speed limit on sidewalks, multi-use trails, bicycle lanes and parking lots. The speed limit applies even if signs are not posted. 

• No phones or wireless devices - use hands-free devices only. 

• Ride only where permitted - recreational riding in Town parks is prohibited. 

• Ride responsibly - reckless riding may result in your device being impounded and having to complete a QCPD safety course before it is released. 

Want to learn more about device types, where you can ride and safe riding practices? QCPD offers a free e-bike safety course open to riders, parents and community members. Visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/MotorizedDevices for more information. 

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). 

The safety of our community, especially our youth, is a shared responsibility. Let’s all do our part to keep our students safe.  

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

For additional information about the Queen Creek Police Department, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/QCPD and follow Facebook.com/QueenCreekPolice, Instagram.com/queencreekpolice/ or X/QCPolice. 

Media Contact:

Jennifer Lamis, Public Information Officer

QCPIO@QueenCreekAZ.gov