Sprint (News - Alert) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have teamed up to encourage drivers to avoid texting while driving by using the Sprint Drive First mobile application.

Known for participating in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Earnhardt Jr. drives the No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet SS. He understands the risks of being distracted while driving and is starring in a 30-second ad showcasing this app.

This new TV ad will be broadcasted during National Distracted Driving Awareness month and beyond to spread awareness about safe driving amongst viewers.

The Sprint Drive First mobile application is designed to block and send automatic replies to text messages while a person drives.

“It’s really easy to get distracted while you’re driving but the Sprint Drive First app takes away the temptation to drive and text,” said Earnhardt Jr. “The technology used to create a safer driving environment is awesome and I’m happy to be the messenger for Sprint during National Distracted Driving Awareness month.”

Sprint chose Dale Earnhardt Jr. for this new ad campaign because he is a popular figure in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and is expected to lend credibility to this issue.

Sprint is encouraging those who drive to visit its site - www.sprint.com/drive - to access a database of useful distracted-driving mobile applications.

Other helpful resources on responsible driving behavior are also available at this site.

Sprint Nextel (News - Alert) offers a range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing mobility to consumers, businesses and government users.

The company was in news earlier this year for announcing that net loss for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012 was $1.32 billion compared to a net loss of $1.3 billion for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011.