Amarillo Considers "No Texting" Ban

Here's some good news for drivers in Amarillo. The City Commission is currently considering a new law that would ban texting while driving an automobile. Currently the only law regarding cell phone use while driving is a ban on their use in school zones. So far this year, police have issued 53 citations for that.

Personally, I would like to see a city-wide ban on all cell phone use when driving. But there is no doubt that texting is the most dangerous cell phone use while driving a car, so banning that is much better than doing nothing. Even if the law just saves one life, it will be worth it. There is no justifiable reason for putting the lives of others in danger by texting while driving. If the text is that important, then pull into a parking lot, stop the car, and text away -- but it should never be done while driving.

The police in Amarillo say it will be a hard law to enforce, since many people text holding the phone below window level (unlike the picture above) and that would make it hard for an officer to see. But they are still in favor of the new law. Cpl. Jerry Neufeld said, "Texting and driving is a problem no doubt and anything we can do to reduce texting and reduce wrecks and injuries is something we're all in favor of." He went on to say, "I just think the law or the ordinance in itself would be a big deterrent to most people."

I agree. Most people would not text while driving because they won't want to break the law. And those who still will do so may be deterred after some people get tickets and it is known they could get caught. I urge our city leaders to pass this important ordinance.

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The Amarillo City Commission is also considering passing an ordinance that would make it illegal for sex offenders to live within 1000 feet of a school, park, or other place where children normally gather. I don't particularly care if they pass this ordinance or not. I just hope they don't think the ordinance will reduce sex crimes against children.

The fact is that such an ordinance would just be a cosmetic one to make the voters feel better, but it really won't make anyone safer. After a lifetime working in law enforcement, I know that when a sex offender wants a new victim he'll find one -- whether that victim lives across the street, a few blocks away, or miles away. I wish that was not true, but that is the harsh reality.

The sexual rape of a child is a terrible crime, and it should be met with a harsh sentence. But once these sick people are released, telling them where they can't live is of no deterrent value at all. They are used to going to great lengths and a lot of trouble to find a victim. Walking or driving a few extra blocks would be nothing to them.

My advice is to know your neighbors, watch your children, and don't let them go off with anyone you have even a little doubt about. That's about all you can really do. If passing this ordinance makes people feel better, then I'm not against it. Just understand that it is not a real solution to this horrible problem.