It’s back to school time in Queen Creek, and the Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) is reminding residents to slow down, avoid distractions and obey posted signage.
They said 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 offered these safety tips:
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," said QCPD.
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, call the non-emergency line at 480-358-3500 or submit them using SeeClickFix, available via app or QueenCreekAZ.gov/SeeClickFix (note that SeeClickFix is not monitored 24/7). In an emergency, call 911.
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, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/SafetyTips.
