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Texting while driving is a growing danger. A recent study by Car and Driver suggests that it’s more dangerous than drunk driving or driving under the influence of marijuana. Also, the AAA says that up to 47% of teens text while driving. Many states are now considering laws specifically banning texting while driving, though the practice already may be subject to reckless and careless driving laws. DriveSafe.ly aims to eliminate the potential for violations and accidents by reading text messages and e-mails aloud, automatically responding without users ever touching the mobile phone.

Currently in beta release, this mobile application is slated for commercial launch with availability as a free download on September 23. Heath Ahrens, founder of iSpeech.org, developed it to combat the dangerous and deadly trend of texting while driving. It uses iSpeech.org software as a service (SaaS) to convert text into the highest-quality speech available and automatically read incoming text and e-mail messages aloud through a mobile phone’s speaker or Bluetooth. Also, DriveSafe.ly automatically answers each incoming message with a customizable response telling senders that the recipients are driving and will respond upon arrival at their destination.

DriveSafe.ly features one-touch activation, making it truly hands-free. Its message reads up to 25 words in a female voice, and these messages may include brief provider/ad-supported messages. Also, it reads text (SMS) shorthand and works with a growing number of mobile phones from various manufacturers, including all BlackBerries and the Android G1 and myTouch models. So far, more than 4000 people have downloaded the beta version, with a nearly 90% success rate of use. To get the application for free, “fan” DriveSafe.ly on Facebook for a 10,000-credit purchase code.

A premium version, DriveSafel.ly Pro, is also available for a one-time $13.95 charge for the life of the phone or by subscription at $2.95 per month. It features a choice of male or female voice and a text/e-mail auto-responder. Also, it delivers 500-word maximum message reads and eliminates ad-supported messages. Premium users will only receive essential service messages as well.