ANN ARBOR, Mich. -

Chrysler and Car and Driver teamed up and rolled out a free mobile application for Android and BlackBerry devices created to combat the dangers of texting while driving.

The primary function of Txt U L8r is to respond to text messages automatically without forcing drivers to take their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel. Officials explained how it’s meant to operate:

—When Txt U L8r is running on a driver’s handheld device, the application can send a predetermined message back to the sender with an alert that the user is unavailable.

—At the same time, the received message can be read aloud to the driver in an attempt to ensure he or she doesn’t miss an urgent message.

—A paid upgrade of the application is available geared to allow the driver to respond back to messages with voice commands.

The publication pointed out the development of Txt U L8r was prompted by a Car and Driver Texting While Driving Study. Officials noted the analysis showed driver reaction times while texting were much worse compared with drunk driver reaction times.

Furthermore the study demonstrated the time it takes to hit the brakes when sober, when legally drunk, when reading an e-mail message and when sending a text. Specifically, the study revealed:

—When unimpaired, it took drivers an average of 0.54 seconds to brake.

—When legally drunk, it took an additional four feet to brake.

—When reading an e-mail message, it required an additional 36 feet to bring the car to a stop.

—When sending a text, another 70 feet was required to brake.

The apparent problem of texting while driving and the results of the Car and Driver study were the primary reasons why the Chrysler chose to officially sponsor the Txt U L8r application.

Chrysler declared that it was the first automaker to establish a corporate policy that prohibits employees from texting while driving company-owned vehicles and texting with company-provided communication devices while driving personal vehicles. The company also has implemented this policy to promote safer driving behaviors and to serve as an industry example.

The company plans to take a further step by enabling its employees to download the Txt U L8r application to their company-owned communication devices.

Furthermore, Chrysler is leveraging its Facebook page to ask its community and owners to make the commitment of not texting while driving. With a simple click, fans can take the “I Drive Text-Free” pledge as well as share it with their friends and family

“Chrysler brand vehicles are designed with available safety and security features that help to deliver your precious cargo safely from one destination to the next,” stated Olivier Francois, president and chief executive officer of Chrysler brand.

“Together, let’s pledge to keep our eyes on the road and our hands on the wheel by promising not to text while driving,” implored Francois.

Based on the results of its study, Car and Driver representatives previously appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show back in January as part of the host’s “No Phone Zone” pledge. They discussed study findings further and demonstrated the hazards of texting and driving.

“Our experiment showed just how dangerous texting while driving can be,” insisted Eddie Alterman, editor in chief of Car and Driver.

“The results of our research were precisely the reason we developed Txt U L8r in an effort to help drivers avoid car accidents often associated with distracted driving,” Alterman continued. “Our goal is to make Txt U L8r part of a daily driving routine while helping save lives behind the wheel.”

Android and BlackBerry users can download Txt U L8r here.