Be careful when chasing Pokemons outdoors

July 12, 2016, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Gotta Catch Them All?

Why an Enthusiast’s Dream is a Health and Safety Nightmare

Nintendo’s new app, Pokemon Go, that has made gamers do the unthinkable; go outside and catch their favourite Pokemon.

The app, which is available for both Android and iPhone for free, accesses the phone’s map and GPS location to make Pokemon appear on the screen. Like in the original television series, Pokemon, players are given one Pokemon to start, and then must go out into the world to find more to capture, train, and care for.

Unlike on their Nintendo console, players must walk around the real world, instead of sitting on the couch to find different creatures, and depending on the time of day, players will also meet with other virtual trainers to battle.

Based on a popular Japanese game called “Bug Catching”, Pokemon Go is the first of its kind to successfully combine technology and reality. For people who grew up watching the show, they can now finally fulfill their childhood dream of being Ash Ketchum, and maybe even have their own (virtual) Pikachu.

Although the game’s interactive abilities are impressive, it is important to remember however, that Pokemon Go is just a game. What players see behind a screen might distract them from dangerous situations happening right in front of them in real life. In the U.S., there have already been reported incidents related to those who have been using the game.  In Philadelphia, robbers have used the app to lure unsuspecting players, and even a dead body was found by an enthusiastic Pokemon trainer in Wyoming.

While dead bodies and robberies are extreme cases, a few reports of vehicle accidents have also been made, which are much more common and can happen to anyone while playing the game. Players should remember to not use the app while driving, because besides getting into a possible accident, one can be charged with distracted driving, careless driving, or worse.

Players should also be careful while walking when using the app around busy intersections, or when choosing to cross the street.  Players need to be aware of all traffic in their area, particularly when attempting to cross a roadway. 

It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt, and in order to enjoy the game and avoid injury, use caution when outside and chasing those Pokemons.

All the information within this article can be found on the following websites;

http://www.macrumors.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-launch-car-accidents

https://www.vox.com/2016/7/11/12129162/pokemon-go-android-ios-game

Compiled and written by Ariel Deutschmann

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

The opinions expressed here, while intended to provide useful information, should not be interpreted as legal recommendations or advice.