“Pokemon Go” Is Creating Dangerous Driving Conditions

The new smartphone game “Pokemon Go” has taken distracted driving to such a crazy new height that many transportation safety organizations across the country are issuing warnings about the game.

Safety Organizations Concerned About Distracted Pedestrians And Drivers

ADOT’s new highway sign reminds gamers to stay safe on their Pokemon Go chase https://t.co/OKXUfTE3qJ pic.twitter.com/KXMreP89Sm

— 3TV Phoenix (@azfamily) July 13, 2016

The incredibly popular Nintendo game allows players to go out into the real world and catch digital monsters on walking missions. While many have praised the game for getting people out of the house and moving, others are noticing that players are becoming dangerously distracted.

The game doesn’t work if you’re traveling more than 20 miles per hour to discourage people from driving while playing, but many lazy Pokemon Go players are simply driving at speeds of under 10 miles per hour to fool their phones into believing that they are walking. These drivers are also making frequent, sudden stops, which adds to the danger they are creating on the road.

I was sitting in my parked car when a van hit it. He was playing #PokemonGo and didnt see me. I too was playing. This game will kill us all.

— Wren (@wrenthereaper) July 8, 2016

The National Safety Council issued a warning on July 12 urging pedestrians to use caution while playing the game and reminding drivers that it is never okay to play the game behind the wheel, because, as they say, “No race to “capture” a cartoon monster is worth a life.”

Truckers Are Getting In On The Pokemon Go Action

The waitress keeps razzing an old trucker at Waffle House whose playing Pokemon Go at full volume. “Just like my kids, catchin’ ’em all.”

— Minovsky (@MinovskyArticle) July 12, 2016

And if you think pedestrians and motorists are the only ones getting in on the Pokemon craze, think again. The trucker in the video below explains how his ability to travel across the country for work gives him an advantage over the average player. The video also gives you a peek into what the gameplay looks like, but be warned — this guy’s language is pretty salty.

[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccay6EAxwBk” width=”700″ height=”500″ responsive=”no”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9-glO-gdOY[/su_youtube]

Don’t #PokemonGO on the go. Be safe and use transit or get a designated driver if you want to #CatchEmAll pic.twitter.com/TGasHr8Tbo

— seattledot (@seattledot) July 8, 2016

Sources:
NY Post
Japonik
halfrican gaming
Fort Worth Star-Telegram