Given the popularity of the new Pokémon
Go game and multiple reports of the dangers players may get themselves into we felt it important to share this article posted by Business Insider yesterday.
A 28-year-old driver in Auburn, New York, crashed into a tree on Tuesday night. He was playing "Pokémon Go," the wildly popular new mobile game where players track and catch Pokémon in the real world using their phone's GPS.
This is seemingly the first major car crash caused by a person playing "Pokémon Go." Here's what the car looks like:
Thankfully, the driver is alive and well; according to Auburn's newspaper, The Citizen, "Auburn Police Chief Shawn Butler said the driver suffered cuts to both legs and was disoriented, but was not seriously injured."
According to the Auburn Police Department's statement, the driver "admitted to actively playing the game" while driving, causing him to become distracted and run off the roadway into a tree.
The Auburn Police Department and the New York Department of Motor Vehicles issued reminders about the dangers of playing "Pokémon Go." They are:
Given the widespread popularity of "Pokémon Go," criminal incidents have already been tied to the game. Police in Missouri arrested four people suspected of tracking and robbing "Pokémon Go" players. The Philadelphia Police Department issued a warning regarding suspects in robberies involving "Pokémon Go." In one instance, a woman in Wyoming stumbled upon a dead body while hunting for water Pokémon.
The game's loading screen specifically says to be mindful of surroundings while playing. Unfortunately for the driver in Auburn, the warning doesn't also say, "And obviously, seriously, don't play the game while driving."
Be safe out there, folks.
Distracted driving, and walking, can cause serious harm to you or others. Please be mindful of your surroundings and pay attention when operating a vehicle or crossing the street. Happy gaming!
A 28-year-old driver in Auburn, New York, crashed into a tree on Tuesday night. He was playing "Pokémon Go," the wildly popular new mobile game where players track and catch Pokémon in the real world using their phone's GPS.
This is seemingly the first major car crash caused by a person playing "Pokémon Go." Here's what the car looks like:
Thankfully, the driver is alive and well; according to Auburn's newspaper, The Citizen, "Auburn Police Chief Shawn Butler said the driver suffered cuts to both legs and was disoriented, but was not seriously injured."
According to the Auburn Police Department's statement, the driver "admitted to actively playing the game" while driving, causing him to become distracted and run off the roadway into a tree.
The Auburn Police Department and the New York Department of Motor Vehicles issued reminders about the dangers of playing "Pokémon Go." They are:
- Do not use the application when you are operating a motor vehicle or bicycle.
- Do not trespass on private property when trying to "catch" a Pokémon.
- Be aware of your surroundings when walking and do not stare down at your phone not knowing hazards around you, like roadways, drop-offs, waterways, etc.
- Use caution when sharing your location as strangers can see your location information.
- Travel in groups in public/well-lit locations.
Given the widespread popularity of "Pokémon Go," criminal incidents have already been tied to the game. Police in Missouri arrested four people suspected of tracking and robbing "Pokémon Go" players. The Philadelphia Police Department issued a warning regarding suspects in robberies involving "Pokémon Go." In one instance, a woman in Wyoming stumbled upon a dead body while hunting for water Pokémon.
The game's loading screen specifically says to be mindful of surroundings while playing. Unfortunately for the driver in Auburn, the warning doesn't also say, "And obviously, seriously, don't play the game while driving."
Be safe out there, folks.
Distracted driving, and walking, can cause serious harm to you or others. Please be mindful of your surroundings and pay attention when operating a vehicle or crossing the street. Happy gaming!
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