Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
By now, most people have heard about Pokemon Go. This smartphone app which just became available for download recently allows users to walk around the real world while hold their phones and looking for game characters.
Not only has the new app already become hugely popular, it has resulted in more than a few serious problems. News of the problems first broke when when a pair of alleged robbers managed to use the game to get players in a remote area and rob them. They were later apprehended, but users were warned to be careful.
After this, we heard that at least two people fell of a cliff of some sort while chasing game characters. They survived, but were said to be seriously injured. These, of course, are examples of what can happen when you are walking around playing the game. However, as we can imagine, many people will be driving around playing the game, and this will most certainly result in many car accidents.
According to a recent report from USA Today, it has already resulted in one man driving his car into a tree. Authorities say the app-related accident occurred just before 11 p.m. when the driver was searching for Pokemon Go characters and took his eyes off the road and crashed into a tree.
When first responders arrived at the scene of this single vehicle accident, they saw that he suffered what are now being called minor injuries as a result of the crash. After he was treated on scene, he spoke with his fellow police officers, and they acted upon perceived probable cause that he was driving while distracted. He was questioned at the scene of the accident and allegedly admitted to driving while distracted, as he was actively engaged in his game. It has not been said if he was issued any motor vehicle infractions as of this time.
In order to stay safe while using the app, authorities are offering certain suggestions:
- Never use the app while driving a vehicle of any kind.
- Avoid trespassing on private property when trying to catch a game character.
- Always be aware of your surroundings so as not to be injured due to a nearby hazard.
- Stay in public and well-lit areas and avoid telling strangers where you are.
As our Boston car accident lawyers have seen in far too many cases, it is very dangerous to drive a car while distracted. While a game such as this is said to be very involved and will create a significant distraction, any level of distraction can result in a serious accident like the one that occurred in this case. For example, many people think that it is safe to use any hands-free device while driving a car. While this is safer than holding a phone in your hand while driving, experts now believe that just talking on the phone creates a distraction that can result in serious personal injury or death. Texting while driving is another obvious cause of distracted driving and leads to many car accidents.
If you are injured in an accident in Massachusetts, call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential appointment — (617) 777-7777.
Additional Resources:
Pokémon Go player crashes his car into a tree, July 14, 2016, USA Today, By Sean Lahman
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