The Pokémon Go smartphone game has captivated the entire country in the first two weeks of its release. But the game has caused distracted driving accidents all over the country and has become a concern for law enforcement and safety officials.
Officials from University Medical Center New Orleans’ injury prevention program are urging Pokémon Go players to take the proper precautions to avoid car or pedestrian accidents.
UMC released safety tips for Pokémon Go players, including:
Do not trespass on private property
Do not play Pokémon Go while driving, riding a bicycle or using another form of transportation
Be aware of your surroundings and any suspicious activity
Do no walk or run while you are looking at your screen
Avoid using ear buds when you are walking so you can hear what is going on
Do not play at night, and if you do, make sure you do so in highly populated areas that are well-lit
Play the game with friends
If playing alone, let someone know what you are doing and when you will be done
Pokémon Go is an augmented reality game in which players attempt to catch Pokémon characters who appear on their phones in real-world locations.
Pokémon Go Car Accidents
Distracted drivers playing Pokemon Go have led to several car accidents across the country, including in Texas, Pennsylvania and New York. In Baltimore, a driver crashed his Toyota RAV4 into parked patrol car at 3:30 a.m. More recently, there was an accident in Washington where a driver rear-ended a sedan on Highway 202 in Fall City.
If you have been injured in a distracted driving car accident, contact the distracted driving accident lawyers at Simien & Simien to find out if you are entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer from our firm can review your claim free of charge and fight for fair compensation for your injuries.
