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:
- 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.
Makes sense!
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!
