Texas Police Clarify What Counts as Distracted Driving

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’t just distracted by traffic. She was holding the cutest little dog, half hanging out the window, while steering with the other hand.

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When I finally pulled up beside her, I rolled down my window and kindly said, “Ma’am, you’ve still got your turn signal on.” Her reply, well, let’s say it wasn’t friendly. But what really struck me wasn’t her words. It was the thought of that sweet fur baby bouncing around the car while she juggled driving, signaling, and cuddling her pup.

What the Law Says in Texas

So, is it illegal to drive while holding a dog? I asked a few of my friends in law enforcement, and here’s the bottom line:

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’s against the law statewide.

To double-check, I spoke with a couple of Abilene Police officer friends. They explained that "the 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.”

Why It Matters

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’s a gut-punch reminder that behind every statistic are families forever changed.

Drive Friendly - The Texas Way

I’ll be the first to admit that I like to wave at officers, fellow drivers, and even friends in traffic. Maybe it’s part of my Texas heritage. After all, our state highway signs say it best: “Drive Friendly - The Texas Way.”

But being friendly doesn’t mean being distracted. Whether it’s 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.