T-Mobile offers service to block cell calls, text messages while driving

The next step in the effort to keep people from using cell phones for calls and text messages while driving has arrived--a service that senses when the phone is moving at carlike speeds and automatically handles calls and messages.

T-Mobile is providing the service, called DriveSmart, for its customers who use the LG Optimus T, a mobile phone that runs the Android operating system. T-Mobile says it will make the service available on other handsets soon.

The DriveSmart service costs $4.99 a month for all of the phone lines on a single account.

When the phone senses that it is moving at carlike speeds, DriveSmart will automatically route incoming calls to voice mail. It also automatically responds to text messages with a notice that the phone owner is driving.

Drivers can override the DriveSmart features. Also, the service can automatically send an e-mail or text message to parents if the feature is overridden by their children.

By Dale Jewett