The Mounting Hazards of Pokemon Go

The Pokemon Go craze has made people go – both literally and figuratively – over the edge. Two men fall off cliff while playing.

The new location based mobile app, in which players try to catch exotic monsters from the Japanese cartoon franchise, Pokemon Go has grabbed headlines lately – with players falling off cliffs, getting trapped in caves and crashing cars – all for the want of a Pokémon character. Crimes and Catastrophes

And don’t forget the people who have reported finding dead bodies, dodging bullets, having their phones stolen – and even, according to NBC News, getting locked in a cemetery after closing – just trying to hit that elusive Charizard (for the novices, a cross between a dinosaur and a dragon) with a Poké Ball. Trio gets locked in cemetery.

As a result, experts are advising Pokémon players, friends of players and parents of players that caution should be taken at all times while on the search for that elusive Beedrill or Dratini. Safety Tips Even the company issues a warning when you first open up the game that you should always be aware of where you are and where you’re going. Police issue warnings

While the game has been praised for getting people, particularly the younger set, off the couch and into the outdoors, it has been known to lead people to unfamiliar places. Besides getting your bearings before you head out, go with a buddy – even if it is the competition. Tell someone else where you’re going, just in case you get lost and lose power on your phone or, worse yet, lose your phone.

It may seem basic to remember to look up from that phone while walking – but then how can you keep an eye on the Mankey? It won’t matter if you trip and fall off a curb or into the lake, so just look up.

Driving or riding a bike? Just don’t do it and play the game at the same time. It’s just one more type of distracted driving that can end up with your car into a tree, or worse, into another gamer or vehicle.

And remember trespassing is against the law and might land you in trouble. Of course, seeing signs goes hand-in-hand with looking up from the screen occasionally. A good rule of thumb, whether or not there’s a “No Trespassing” or “Do Not Enter” sign, is to respect others’ property both public and private. Museums and parks are meant for public enjoyment, just not for throngs of people crawling over every display or bush in sight. If it was your house, would you want hoards of people coming on your porch in the middle of the night?

Parents, in particular, should pay attention to their children’s participation in the game. For younger ones, there are controls built into the game that parents can employ, but even that may not be enough to make children pay attention. Make sure they know the common safety rules of everyday life apply when playing Pokémon. Make sure your kids (teenagers, too) tell you where they’re going, play with a buddy, don’t talk to strangers, know when to say “no,” and remind them to tell an adult if something untoward happens.

The bottom line? When playing Pokemon Go, be extra alert (especially at night), remain in well-lit places, know your surroundings, don’t play alone, don’t bike/drive or skateboard and play and make sure someone knows your itinerary. More safety tips.

Now, go catch a Charizard!