Queen Creek police have back-to-school safety tips

School is back in session on Monday, July 22, and the Queen Creek Police Department is reminding residents to slow down, avoid distractions and obey posted signage.

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

Safety tips for drivers:

• 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 at designated crosswalks – look both ways and watch for traffic

Arizona state law 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 when there is a physical barrier between the opposite lanes of travel such as a raised median, guardrail, or other barrier system, the release stated.