US President Barack Obama has banned text messaging among the Federal Government's near three million civilian employees while driving on official business or while using Government-supplied equipment.

His edict comes after recent deadly crashes involving drivers distracted by text messaging in the UK. It's a growing danger on our roads, according to Dr Will Murray, research director of Interactive Driving Systems.

Text messaging causes drivers to take their eyes off the road and at least one hand off the steering wheel, endangering both themselves and others.

Every day in the USA, Federal employees drive Government-owned, Government-leased, or Government-rented vehicles or privately-owned vehicles on official Government business, and some Federal employees use Government-supplied electronic devices to text or e-mail while driving.

A Federal Government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using Government-supplied equipment will help save lives, reduce injuries, and set an example for State and local governments, private employers, and individual drivers, said a Government statement.

And extending the policy to cover Federal contractors is designed to promote economy and efficiency in Federal procurement.