They’ve posted a no-cell-phone-while-driving message on those Amber Alert signs over Amarillo’s two interstate highways.

The Texas Department of Transportation has now joined forces with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, who has taken the cell phone/texting/driving issue seriously enough to launch a national campaign against this frightening practice.

TxDOT’s message urges drivers to “drive now and text later,” and urges the motoring public to turn their vehicles into a “no phone zone.”

My wish is that TxDOT would keep the messages flashing only unless the police have a missing person to locate. Then TxDOT could replace the cell phone message in favor of the more urgent message. Then once the missing-person case is resolved, TxDOT can put the cell phone message back up.

My friends and family members are well aware of my intense dislike of those who yap on cell phones while driving their 4,000-pound motor vehicle. And don’t even get me started on those who “text” while driving.

The state has banned the practice in school zones; it has made it illegal for school bus drivers to talk on cell phones while they’re transporting children. Some cities in Texas have enacted ordinances to ban talking or texting while driving. Amarillo has yet to join that chorus.

My sense is that it is time, given the increasing percentage of drivers who operate cell phones while maneuvering their Hummers through busy traffic.

Meantime, you go, TxDOT!