ST. PAUL — The Minnesota State Patrol said it will use unmarked squads to catch distracted drivers.

State Patrol Chief Col. Matt Langer said using the unmarked cars will allow troopers to “be a little more sneaky” when targeting drivers who are texting or are distracted in other ways. The patrol plans to target motorists in Mankato, Marshall, Brainerd and the metro area.

According to a press release, 19 percent of all traffic fatalities and serious injury accidents between 2010 and 2014 have been attributed to distracted driving. This year, nearly 3,500 drivers have been stopped for distracted driving.