The US has introduced a bill requiring all states to ban texting while driving.

The Avoiding Life Endangering and Reckless Testing Drivers Act of 2009 says that all states should make it illegal to write, send or read text messages using a hand-held mobile telephone or other portable electronic communication while driving a car, truck, bus or mass transit system.

States which do not comply with the rule stand to lose 25% of their annual federal highway funding.

The bill is aimed at improving road safety as recent surveys have shown texting while driving increases the chance of being involved in an accident.

The bill is already in effect in 14 US states and the American Trucking Association has also expressed support for it.