EL PASO, Texas -- Federal employees, including military personnel, are no longer allowed to text while driving.

President Barack Obama signed an executive order banning the practice. Federal employees cannot text behind the wheel when using a government-issued vehicle or cell phone. Even with a private vehicle or phone, texting while driving is banned when conducting government business.

The ban takes effect immediately. Nationwide, it affects 4.5 million employees working for the federal government.

"It's a good place to start," said U.S. Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas). "Because he has the authority to do that by executive order for federal employees, and I hope cities and states follow with that because it creates, I think, a safer community."