I decided to sign up for DriveSmart Plus, T-Mobile’s app to prevent texting while driving (TWD). I used to do it constantly, and I’ve cut back, but I still do it more than I should. (Red light? Phone in hand. Traffic jam? Phone in hand. Etc.) DriveSmart is meant to be a parental control, like most anti-TWD apps, but I have no problem admitting that I need help myself. The only other one I have tried is ZoomSafer‘s Android beta, which will be great once it’s out of beta, but is still not quite ready for prime time.

Anyway, I signed up for DriveSmart Plus, and I had the download link sent to my phone. The page said I was downloading it for my LG Optimus T, and I thought that was odd (I have a Samsung Vibrant), but I continued. Then the Market info for DriveSmart said it was only for the Optimus T, Galaxy S 4G, CLIQ 2, DEFY, and Sidekick 4G. I don’t have any of those, but I figured I’d try downloading it anyway. Unfortunately, when I opened the app, it reported that my phone wasn’t compatible. I expected this, of course, but then I realized another problem.

By signing up for DriveSmart at all I had started the ticker for the 30-day free trial. After 30 days, it becomes $4.99/mo. Which I’d be happy to pay if it kept me from distracted driving. But…it’s not compatible with my phone, so the trial will run unused. I called up T-Mobile, and the lady immediately understood what was happening. Not only did she cancel the service (so I won’t get charged 30 days from now) but she also marked my account for a free month of DriveSmart at a later time.

So it got resolved okay, but I do recommend being careful if you’re planning to sign up with DriveSmart.

Please no lectures on distracted driving. I already know about it, and I will probably not read them.