AMARILLO, TX -- It was a city commission public hearing that moved some people to tears.

The topic-- whether Amarillo should ban hand held cell phones while driving.

Those who have lost family members in distracted driving accidents made a huge impact on the hearing.

No matter how difficult it was to argue with someone who has personally lost a loved one in a cell-phone related crash, some people still strongly felt that the ban will affect their lifestyles and rights.

Resident against the ban, Cheryl Cooper said, "I’m against the ban because we have so many regulations already in place. We have distracted driving laws in place. I’m concerned about the totalitarianism of this, this "big brother" if you will, telling us and micromanaging."

There were no votes taken but many people seemed to be leaning toward the ban.

Mayor, Paul Harpole said, "From comments that have been made in the meeting, I would say it's tending toward the ban but certainly not decided yet. We have taken no votes. So these comments are important that we hear them, we have had to study ourselves, and we gave it back to the traffic commission to study for months."

Some people said that the use of handheld devices just isn't worth the risk.

Supporter of the ban, Gary Ward said, "I’m for the cell phone ban as it stands because it doesn't take away our primary objective, which is driving. All it does is make it safer for everybody; not only the people in the car but especially pedestrians, bicyclist, motorcyclists, etc."

Now, the question remains -- what is the best solution? Is education the answer? Can there be an alternative solution or does a law need to be put into place? Citizens are urged to voice their opinions and can do so before the the first reading of the ordinance on September 11, 2012 at 3:30 pm –City Hall.