State troopers say they’re seeing more drivers sending text messages instead of paying attention to the road. Senior Trooper Mark Domino, based in Mason City, says distracted driving is nothing new. “It’s a big hazard but it’s no worse than a person that stops at a drive-by McDonalds that’s chewing on a Big Mac,” Domino says.
While some teens are particularly adept at typing in the tiny keypad with their thumb, Domino says the more a texter focuses on their screen, the less they’re paying attention to their driving. “Texting is becoming more of a hazard, due to the fact that it’s easier and it’s the most upcoming thing,” Domino says.
“You used to talk on your phone and you could pay attention but now they’re texting, so that means they’ve got one hand on the phone, one hand on the wheel and no eyes on the road.” Domino says law enforcement will pull you over if you are swerving on the road while texting.
Domino says if you need to use your phone or send a text message, use common sense and pull over on the shoulder.
Contibruted by Bob Fisher, KRIB, Mason City