If you haven't heard, the augmented reality game Pokémon Go has become a huge hit. As of August 2016, the game has already been downloaded by more than 100 million users. The game, which is played on a user's cell phone, actually has quite a few positive benefits. For example, players -- or trainers as they're called in the game -- have to actively search to find Pokémon. So you'll now see players of all ages walking around in search of the mythical creatures. IGN even called Pokémon Go the best exercise app out there. But -- as often happens -- with the good comes the bad. And with Pokémon Go, the bad ones are the trainers who try to play the game while driving, which has resulted in numerous accidents.
The New Distraction
Pokemon Go actually has features in it that should prevent trainers from playing while driving. The game, for example, will not let you hatch Pokemon from eggs if you're going 25 miles an hour or faster, and you can only gather items from Pokestops -- centers where you can replenish the supplies you need to capture the creatures -- if you're within its immediate area. Unfortunately, that hasn't stopped trainers from playing while driving.
In Baltimore, a player distracted by the game crashed into a parked police car. And in New York, another player ran his vehicle off of the road and into a tree. Accidents typically occur when a trainer's phone alerts them that they have driven past a prized Pokemon creature, which might then cause them to take their eyes off of the road to see what creature is available or to suddenly swerve to the side or slow dramatically in order to catch the Pokemon. Some players will also swerve or slow down abruptly if they see a Pokestop in the area. Accidents may also occur if a distracted pedestrian player wanders into traffic in pursuit of a Pokemon.
What to Do?
So what should you do if you suspect you've been in an accident with a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian who had been distracted while playing Pokémon Go? If you're fortunate, the player may feel guilty or be so upset by the situation that they'll actually confess that they were playing. But chances are that the other party won't make such a confession. So if you suspect that the trainer was playing the game, make sure to:
Hopefully, you'll never get in an accident with a distracted driver who is playing Pokemon Go, but if you do, make sure to take the above steps to protect yourself. And reach out to a lawyer from a place like Trump & Trump.
Share9 August 2016
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