How to avoid injuring yourself or others while playing Pokémon Go

On behalf of Steven Crell of Steve Crell Law posted in Personal Injury on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.

If you have seen someone in the last week walking with their head down while looking at their phone, it is a good bet they are playing Pokémon Go. Pokémon Go is an offshoot of the Pokémon franchise, which originated more than 20 years ago. Pokémon Go is an online video game in which players search for digital creatures on their smart phones. While most video games are sedentary in nature, in Pokémon Go, players must walk places to find and capture these creatures.

It is fair to say that Pokémon Go has swept the nation. Since its release on July 6, millions of people across the world have downloaded and played this game. In fact, in less than a week, Pokémon Go has almost as many users as Twitter.

While millions of people are enjoying the game, there are potential downsides. There have been reports of Pokémon Go players being robbed. More commonly, the combination of people walking with their heads buried in their phone will naturally lead to injuries. People on social media have reported bruised shins, broken feet and other injuries. Although Pokémon Go’s creators, Nintendo and Niantic Inc., warn players to be aware of their surroundings, it is clear not everyone is getting the message.

Common-sense ways for Pokémon Go players to play the game safely

First, do not drive while playing Pokémon Go. This should go without saying, but unfortunately, a small number of individuals engage in this type of dangerous multitasking. Along these lines, do not bike or skateboard while playing Pokémon Go. These activities require full concentration, and playing Pokémon Go at the same time will dramatically increase your risk of injury.

Secondly, avoid busy sidewalks. If you are walking on a heavily-travelled sidewalk while playing Pokémon Go, you are more likely to run into and injure other pedestrians and yourself. Lastly, put the phone down while at an intersection. People who are distracted by the game are more likely walk into oncoming traffic, causing devastating or fatal injuries.

While Pokémon Go is a fun game that can bring people together, making smart decisions can make a world of difference. If you have been injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence, a skilled attorney will be instrumental in helping you secure appropriate compensation for your damages. For years, people across Indianapolis and the surrounding areas have relied on me, attorney Steve Crell. I have helped injury victims move forward with their lives.

Sources: Pok̩mon Go craze sweeps nation: Players find monsters Рand injuries, robberies and worse, Washington Post, by Ben Guarino, July 11, 2016 Hunt for Pok̩mon Has Led to Painful Discoveries, Wall Street Journal, by Sarah E. Needleman, July 11, 2016