A 28-year-old driver in Auburn, New York was involved in an accident when he crashed into a tree on Tuesday night while reportedly playing Pokemon Go. In this game, players track and catch Pokemon in the real world using their smartphone camera. The Auburn Police Department issued a statement saying that “the driver admitted to actively playing the Pokemon Go game while driving causing him to become distracted and run off the roadway into a tree.” “Luckily the driver was not seriously injured but this is an example of how easily accidents can occur when someone is engaged in the game and not paying attention. “The accident investigation is ongoing,” the statement added. Thankfully, the driver is alive and well; according to Auburn’s The Citizen, “Auburn Police Chief Shawn Butler said the driver sustained cuts to both legs and was disoriented, but was not seriously injured.” The Auburn Police Department following the incident has released advisory reminding drivers to use “common sense” when it comes to catching Pokemon and keeps their eyes on the road at all times. The points mentioned in the advisory 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 Pokemon. • 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. From the time it has been released on July 6, Niantic’s Pokemon Go is in the news since then. The game has been responsible for everything right from a teen stumbling upon a dead body to a string of robberies to the recent heartbreak. A word of caution to all the Pokemon Go game lovers, it is better to be safe rather than be sorry!
