By KRWG News
Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police issued 81 citations Thursday morning and arrested two individuals on warrants during a two hour traffic enforcement operation.
The operation began at 8:45 a.m. and focused on traffic near the intersection of Telshor Boulevard and Foothills Road. The overwhelming majority of the citations - 53 of them - went to motorists who were using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.
Another 12 citations were issued to motorists who were not using their seat belts and nine citations went to drivers without proper insurance. The two arrests were for misdemeanor warrants.
The city's cell phone ordinance went into effect Feb. 5, 2010, with the intended purpose of requiring motorists to focus their attention on driving.
The ordinance prohibits cell phone use while driving within city limits. The ban includes engaging in a phone call or creating, sending and reading text messages or e-mail while operating a motor vehicle. Dialing, texting or otherwise manipulating an electronic device while driving - or while stopped at a red light - is not considered lawful or safe.
Engaging in a conversation on a cell phone is permitted within city limits if the driver is utilizing a hands-free device and its use does not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.
Las Cruces Police selected the Telshor Boulevard and Foothills Road location because of the high number of motor vehicle crashes that have been reported in the area. LCPD reminds motorists to drive with caution and obey all traffic rules.