Don’t Pokemon Go and Drive

Pokemon Go is officially now in Canada, and the streets are filled with large groups of people, glued to their phones hoping to capture that elusive Pikachu. Many local law enforcement agencies across the country are warning drivers and pedestrians of the perils of playing Pokemon Go.

Playing Pokemon Go while driving is a non-starter, yet many drivers who are not interested in walking the streets to play the game are doing so from the comfort of their vehicles. Drivers are reminded that engaging in an electronic device (smartphone) is against the law and comes with a fine and demerit points. Pedestrians who engage in Pokemon Go are reminded to be mindful of traffic signals, stop signs and vehicles on the roads. Local Police departments have seen groups of players not stopping for traffic, engrossed in their phones and not paying attention to their surroundings. News agencies are reporting that the popularity of the games across the country and even worldwide has resulted in injuries, robberies and even the finding of a deceased body.

Playing Pokemon Go While Driving is Distracted Driving

The game’s popularity has exploded and spread across the globe, prompting widespread stories of people being injured while focused on the game and not paying attention to what’s happening around them. In some instances, Pokemon Go players have been lured by other players to remote areas and then robbed of their valuables. Police are concerned for the well-being of players and residents in communities where Pokemon Go is being played on a large scale. Players are focussed on their phones, becoming unaware of their surroundings.

Most recently, a resident outside the GTA area of Toronto used a pellet gun to ward off players of Pokemon from her property. Law enforcement charged the resident of Newmarket and had advised residents not to take matters into their hands when it comes to Pokemon Go trespassers.

Young Drivers of Canada would like to remind motorists that driving and playing Pokemon Go is driving distracted. Pedestrians are being reminded to be aware of their surroundings, traffic, and cyclists. Avoid distracted Pokemon Go game playing!