{"id":23723,"date":"2025-10-28T00:05:34","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T00:05:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/23723\/"},"modified":"2025-10-28T00:05:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T00:05:34","slug":"texas-police-clarify-what-counts-as-distracted-driving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/23723\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Police Clarify What Counts as Distracted Driving"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=0va2Oc_162VmsWb00\"<\/p>\n

On my way down Buffalo Gap Road this morning, I had quite the encounter. A little white four-door car zipped past me, blinkers flashing, weaving from lane to lane. I gave the driver space, even waved her in, but after three blocks of back-and-forth lane changes, I realized something: she wasn\u2019t just distracted by traffic. She was holding the cutest little dog, half hanging out the window, while steering with the other hand.<\/p>\n

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When I finally pulled up beside her, I rolled down my window and kindly said, \u201cMa\u2019am, you\u2019ve still got your turn signal on.\u201d Her reply, well, let\u2019s say it wasn\u2019t friendly. But what really struck me wasn\u2019t her words. It was the thought of that sweet fur baby bouncing around the car while she juggled driving, signaling, and cuddling her pup.<\/p>\n

What the Law Says in Texas<\/p>\n

So, is it illegal to drive while holding a dog? I asked a few of my friends in law enforcement, and here\u2019s the bottom line:<\/p>\n

Driving with a pet in your lap is considered distracted driving, and yes, it is against the law.Fidgeting with items like bags, makeup, or even papers is also classified as distracted driving.Eating behind the wheel may feel normal, but it still falls under distracted driving.Using your phone while driving is the most common, and it\u2019s against the law statewide.<\/p>\n

To double-check, I spoke with a couple of Abilene Police officer friends. They\u00a0explained that \u201cthe goal is always safety first, as long as it does not distract the driver. But drivers should keep their focus on the task at hand at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why It Matters<\/p>\n

Minutes after my encounter, two emergency alerts came across my email: two major crashes in our city, one claiming four lives. Distracted driving, combined with not wearing seatbelts, played a major role. That\u2019s a gut-punch reminder that behind every statistic are families forever changed.<\/p>\n

Drive Friendly\u00a0\u2013 The Texas Way<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll be the first to admit that I like to wave at officers, fellow drivers, and even friends in traffic. Maybe it\u2019s part of my Texas heritage. After all, our state highway signs say it best: \u201cDrive Friendly\u00a0\u2013 The Texas Way.\u201d<\/p>\n

But being friendly doesn\u2019t mean being distracted. Whether it\u2019s a phone, a cheeseburger, or a fur baby, the safest thing we can all do is keep both hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and our attention where it belongs. That way, we all get home safe, pets included.<\/p>\n

Read More: TXDoT Grants Funds for More Police Enforcement in Abilene<\/a><\/p>\n

LOOK: The Texas Department of Public Safety and All Law Enforcement Are Looking For These ViolationsTo avoid getting pulled over make sure you’re not violating any of these laws Gallery Credit: Rudy Fernandez \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=0FmsFl_162VmsWb00\"AnsaharjuDriving While Intoxicated (DWI)Don’t take any chances with alcohol. Again don’t drink and drive. The life you save may be your own. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=2KJ8LU_162VmsWb00\"Doug MenuezTraffic Stop DWI – BUSTEDPolice officer stopped this driver for violating the law. After stopping the red car, the officer detected the smell of alcohol. Busted! \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=1Mm3rA_162VmsWb00\"LumineImagesTexting While DrivingThis is a close-up of a woman using a cell phone and texting while driving. In Texas this is against the law. Just don’t do it and it could save your life. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=2wI6b6_162VmsWb00\"Tomwang112Buckle Up, It’s The LawThis woman is fastening her seat belt in the car before the vehicle starts moving. Buckle up, it’s the law! \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=3FhjDf_162VmsWb00\"shaluntsAggressive Driving or Road RageThis young male is experiencing road rage and he’s driving aggressively. Again he’s driving recklessly and putting everyone around him in danger. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=36fxTS_162VmsWb00\"Nick Cooper – TSM DuluthRoad Construction Speed ReductionRoad construction on a well traveled road. Means that you have to heed the signs to SLOW down and pay attention to the road conditions. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=3v3f3g_162VmsWb00\"5m3photosThe Left Lane is for PassingThe left lane is intended for passing only. Pass other vehicles that are traveling at a slower speed. If you aren’t passing then stay right and don’t get a ticket. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=1oyIfj_162VmsWb00\"Michael J. Rivera\/TSMPull Over For Emergency VehiclesThis ambulance is rushing through rush hour traffic in order to go save a life. We MUST all pull over and let them through. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=4K7GoE_162VmsWb00\"Eric FrancisGive Them Room To ManeuverSemi trucks are big, bulky vehicles that can’t maneuver and\/or stop quickly. It is our responsibility to give the big trucks the room they require to maneuver around. We all learned in Drivers-Ed be nice and think twice with the big guys. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=091SVb_162VmsWb00\"humoniaExhausted Drivers Mimic DWIDPS Trooper Couch says that “Exhausted drivers tend to mimic drivers that are under the influence of alcohol and could be very dangerous. He says, “pull over and get some rest>” \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=1DvpsV_162VmsWb00\"KSwinickiTurn Around Don’t DrownCloseup of high water flooding our streets. This happens all too often leaving flooded vehicles all over Abilene. Turn around and don’t drown. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=0yOW8h_162VmsWb00\"Gary WhittonManeuvering Around Road DamageManeuvering around road damage can be tricky. These kind of potholes are all over Abilene and can cause great damage to ones vehicle. Pay attention and drive safely. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=1aWaHT_162VmsWb00\"Alexander ShirokovCareless Vehicle MaintenanceThat’s why inspection stickers exist. We must all remain diligent in maintaining our vehicles in tip top shape. If we don’t we can get ticketed, banned from driving it on the road, or even worse, an accident. Be aware. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=3VeeoD_162VmsWb00\"LIVINUSClear The Road of AccidentsSgt. Couch said, “If it can steer then it can clear.” If two cars are in an accident on a main road causing a traffic jam it’s perfectly legal to move the wrecked cars off the road as long as no one is injured and it does not compromise safety. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=2rgLC8_162VmsWb00\"CreatasThe Lost U-turnsA man and woman are getting directions from policeman. Don’t wait to get pulled over. Know where you’re going and you won’t have to do that illegal U-turn that got you pulled over. The 20 Most Loyal Dog BreedsAll dogs are amazing, but these breeds might be best if you’re looking for a loyal companion. Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=11fX7g_162VmsWb00\"Canva20. DachshundDachshunds are adorable and so loyal to kids and all families. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=1T6ZwA_162VmsWb00\"Canva19. Jack Russell TerrierJack Russell Terriers can be lap dogs they are so sweet and very loyal. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=2NdW85_162VmsWb00\"Canva18. PugPugs can be a bit smelly but they are loyal and so sweet. They love to cuddle. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=1CfdTq_162VmsWb00\"Canva17. Labrador RetrieverLabrador Retrievers are always very popular because they are so sweet. They love to have fun on any adventure with their owner. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=45ijTo_162VmsWb00\"Canva16. BeagleBeagles are adorable and sweet. Very playful so make sure you have lots of toys. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=1BcWS5_162VmsWb00\"Canva15. Great DaneGreat Danes look huge sometimes, but they are gentle giants who love to take up the whole couch. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=0hOFVC_162VmsWb00\"Canva14. French BulldogFrench Bulldogs are so sweet and a bit lazy. When not napping they want to love and be loved. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=2GeLcl_162VmsWb00\"Canva13. Golden RetrieverGolden Retrievers are playful and so much fun. They are loyal and loving. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=4270NE_162VmsWb00\"Canva12. CollieCollies are perfect for families, although they love to protect from potential dangers. Just be aware. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=3mXf7L_162VmsWb00\"Canva11. Irish WolfhoundIrish Wolfhounds look intimidating at times, but they are so sweet. Very intelligent when trained. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=2cHYAS_162VmsWb00\"Canva10. DobermanDobermans are great with kids, very sweet and loyal. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=22ZSt7_162VmsWb00\"Canva9. AkitaAkitas are beautiful and very loyal. You will feel protected and loved. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=2rsW9K_162VmsWb00\"Canva8. Yorkshire TerrierYorkshire Terriers are a lap dog. But they love to be in the lap of their owner and never leave. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=3poTAg_162VmsWb00\"Canva7. Shetland SheepdogShetland Sheepdogs used to be protectors but now they are less intimidating and great loyal family dogs. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=37KWTV_162VmsWb00\"Canva6. St. BernardSt. Bernards can be lazy at times but they love their owners all the time. So loyal! \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=0lwXRR_162VmsWb00\"Canva5. BoxerI have a boxer at home. Gypsy is so loyal and sweet. Although she will go into protection mode if someone acts strange around her family. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=1n4qK1_162VmsWb00\"Canva4. American Staffordshire TerrierAmerican Staffordshire Terriers look big, but they are big lovers. They have a loud bark but can act like big babies. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=3as3l5_162VmsWb00\"Canva3. Pit Bull Pit Bulls get a bad reputation because humans do bad things with this very loyal dog breed. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=4CRLLI_162VmsWb00\"Canva2. Great PyreneesGreat Pyrenees love to work and eager to please its owner. They are gentle giants. \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=3hWb1J_162VmsWb00\"Canva1. German ShepherdThey are very smart and very loyal. German Shepherds are known to be great with even small babies. Here are the Worst Drivers by City Located in TexasAccording to Quote Wizard<\/a>, here are the worst drivers by city in Texas. Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins \"https:\/\/img.particlenews.com\/image.php?url=2vpt85_162VmsWb00\"CanvaWacoBe extra careful driving in these Texas cities. Cedar ParkBe extra careful driving in these Texas cities. McKinneyBe extra careful driving in these Texas cities. DentonBe extra careful driving in these Texas cities. Sugar LandBe extra careful driving in these Texas cities. TempleBe extra careful driving in these Texas cities. KilleenBe extra careful driving in these Texas cities. New BraunfelsBe extra careful driving in these Texas cities. PearlandBe extra careful driving in these Texas cities. League CityBe extra careful driving in these Texas cities. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"On my way down Buffalo Gap Road this morning, I had quite the encounter. 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