Pokemon GO is sweeping the nation. Nay, the whole globe. People everywhere are burying their heads in their cellphone — even more so than usual — and while it’s nice to see more people getting outdoors as they experiment with this “augmented reality,” it’s also causing some inevitable problems. Just as texting while driving is a huge hazard and has led to countless motor-vehicle accidents, so too is playing Pokemon GO while behind the wheel.
The game itself is better played on foot, many would argue, and yet we’ve seen incidents across the world that seem to indicate that some players have taken the on-the-go experience far too literally.
In Baltimore, MD, a busy gamer slammed into the back of a parked police car. To matters worse, the guy kept driving until the Police Officer chased him down to make sure he was OK. Needless to say, that guy didn’t catch them all, but he caught a whole lot of something else.
Several drivers in Central London were busted by a bicycle-riding road safety campaigner who oversaw operators playing the game and staring at their smartphone screens instead of the busy road ahead. Trying to spare pedestrians, fellow cyclists, and other motorists from harm, he confronted both drivers and encouraged them to save the hunt for later.
And the stories just keep coming in…
The Gardai (police force) in Ireland have repeatedly warned drivers not to game while driving, and the Texas A&M police have reported that car was struck from behind while illegal parked because they abandoned their vehicle to catch a Pokemon. An Auburn, NY man ran straight into a tree while in pursuit and mangled the entire front end of his car.
As silly as it all sounds, this is yet another distraction that drivers must face. And even if you could care less about collecting the tiny creatures, there’s still the risk posed by those around you who are more enthralled with their small screens than ever.
Be safe on the road out there, friends, and if you find yourself in need of auto repair, give us a call!