Fed workers told not to text while driving

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has banned federal workers from sending text messages while driving.

In an executive order that was signed Wednesday night and took effect immediately, Obama said federal employees are not to send text messages while driving government vehicles or when driving their own cars and using cell phones paid for by the government, The New York Times reported Thursday.

Federal employees also are banned from using their personal hand-held devices to send text messages while driving on government business.

The Times said the federal government also plans to order an end to text messaging by bus drivers and truckers who travel across state lines. The ban may also include using cell phones while driving, except in emergencies.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday the measures are part of a wider effort to reduce what he called a deadly epidemic of distracted driving, the Times said.

"It sends a very clear signal to the American public that distracted driving is dangerous and unacceptable," he said.

A department spokeswoman said the order covers 4.5 million federal employees, including military personnel.

The rule affecting interstate truckers and bus drivers will take longer to put in place.