I'm guilty of it. Pretty much everyone else has been or is guilty of it. Heck, you might be guilty of it right now as you're reading this.

Technically, it is illegal for you to use your phone when you're stopped at a red light in Texas.

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You're Not Alone If You Thought It was Okay

It's a frequently asked question. It makes sense. You're not actively driving. You're waiting your turn to go.

What could sending a text message hurt?

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash
Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash
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According to the state of Texas, a lot. Even when you're stopped at a light or sign, you're technically still operating a motor vehicle, according to the state. That means no texting; no distracted driving.

Here are a couple of places where you see the info for yourself.

"Well I heard the rules change city to city. You can do it in Amarillo."

No you can't...well, technically you can but then you run the risk of getting a fine or causing an accident. Here's the link in case you want to see it in black and white for yourself.

In Amarillo, you can get back to texting once you're legally parked. They make a point of stating that doesn't include being stopped at a red light or stop sign.

Texting And Driving Is A Big Problem In Texas

Last year I had to take the Texas driving test. Both the written and the driving test.

Long story.

Part of that was watching the videos that many of us are familiar with. Instead of watching "Red Pavement" style videos about drinking and driving, every video was about texting and driving.

Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash
Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash
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What is allowed, and is encouraged, is hands-free options. Most modern vehicles have the ability to connect to your phone. If you have the capability, use it.

These Might Be the Most Dangerous Intersections in Amarillo

Traffic stinks.

These intersections stink harder.

Don't hesitate to sound off if we missed any. We're happy to add more Amarillo collision hotspots to this list of shame.

Look at How Amarillo's Old Route 66 Motels Looked Then & Now

The heyday of the Mother Road may be long gone, but would you believe that there's still plenty of the old motels where many a weary American family rested their heads during their interstate travels?

You won't believe some of these are still standing, much less still alive and (wait for it..) kickin'!

Russell's Travel Center

Russell's Travel Center is a hidden gem on I-40 W just past the Texas/New Mexico State Line.

Exit 369

This travel center has a classic car museum inside as well as a quaint little chapel.

Hungry? It also has an awesome diner that you need to try.

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