Many states have laws making it illegal to text and drive, and some cities have even imposed or considered banning texting while walking. Now the creator of the super popular iPhone has secured a patent for a see-through cell phone to make it easier for people to walk and text at the same time.

The device will not actually be "see-through" but will portray an image of what is happening on the "bottom" side of their phone. Some apps already exist that use your iPhone camera to help you walk and text at the same time but Apple is the first company known to try to patent the technology.

Mashable notes:

Of course, apps and patents like this don't guarantee a lack of accidents. Typing and walking could be distracting enough in itself, even with a transparent background. Walk N Text, meanwhile, specifically asks you to not use the app while behind the wheel, as it's meant for 'walking, and not texting while driving.'

Many companies, including AT&T have public campaigns where they urge their customers to join the cause to stop texting and driving. In northern California a Facebook executive has started a website and paid for a digital billboard to shame people who text and drive. Efforts to embarrass or make it an ilegal act to walk and text have not been as successful.