Police Say Less People Using Cell Phones Behind the Wheel

The ban on hand held cell phone use behind the wheel generated plenty of questions and some controversy.

Now in it's second official month, the Amarillo Police Department has issued 17 citations for hand held cell phone use behind the wheel.

According to Corporal Jerry Neufeld, APD is enforcing the law just like any other.

"It's just like somebody's expired inspection sticker, registration or not wearing a seatbelt, other non-moving or even moving violations. As the officers see them, and have the opportunity to make that traffic stop, they're going to do that," Corporal Neufeld said.

APD will not add additional patrols specifically to watch for cell phone use. However, according to Neufeld, the number of people using phones behind the wheel seems to have gone down.

"Well, I think honestly, we are seeing a lot less people on their phone. I know we're going to hear complaints from people, 'I see people all the time'. There's still going to be some we see that we just can't get to for one reason or another," Corporal Neufeld said.

As for the city, representative say they're still trying to get the word out as well.

"Believe it or not, there are still people out there who don't realize this ordinance is in place," Sonja Gross, City of Amarillo Community Relations Director said.

According to Gross, the city is continuing to educate people by talking with different community groups about the ordinance.