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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 your 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.
