In a concerning incident, a teenager playing Pokémon Go found herself in a dangerous situation when she walked onto a busy highway and was hit by a vehicle. The 15-year-old, who goes by the name Jamie Carter, was attempting to catch Pokémon about 20 miles outside of Pittsburgh when the accident occurred. Jamie attributed her accident to the game’s immersive nature, stating, “I had to cross the road to catch them. I do hold the game partly responsible,” she told reporters.
According to Jamie, she had to navigate a four-lane highway to reach a Pokémon. Her mother, Sarah Carter, commented on the circumstances, saying, “Kids don’t just cross busy roads without a reason.” While her statement holds some truth, it’s also a fact that many pedestrians cross highways without incident.
It is crucial for parents to instill the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings in their children, especially as accidents involving distracted drivers continue to rise. The Centers for Disease Control reports that every day in the U.S., over eight individuals lose their lives and 1,161 sustain injuries in accidents caused by distracted driving. Moreover, police are investigating incidents where drivers were reportedly playing Pokémon Go at the time of the crash.
Safety experts have noted that over 10,000 people in the U.S. have suffered injuries due to “distracted walking” over the past decade. In Jamie’s case, she claims she wasn’t actively playing the game at the moment she crossed the road. Reports indicate that the area had a clearly marked crosswalk, but it remains unclear if she utilized it or crossed elsewhere. “When she called to tell me she’d been hit, my first thought was about the game,” her mother said. “She wouldn’t have been out if it weren’t for Pokémon Go. She’s usually a homebody.”
While many parents appreciate the game for encouraging outdoor activity among their kids, its addictive nature can lead to distractions. A representative from a local hospital shared that Jamie wasn’t the first injury they had treated related to Pokémon Go. Pennsylvania police had previously warned residents about potential hazards associated with the game, citing incidents of users tripping or inadvertently stepping into traffic.
As engaging as the game is, it’s essential for children to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings, no matter how captivating their phones may be.
For those interested in learning more about home insemination options, check out this useful resource on intrauterine insemination. You can also find great insights on how to navigate the journey to parenthood with this handy guide on home insemination kits. For more information on related topics, feel free to visit our blog.
Summary
A teenager playing Pokémon Go was struck by a vehicle while crossing a busy highway, leading her to blame the game for the accident. As the popularity of the game grows, so do concerns about distracted walking and driving. Parents are reminded to teach their children about being aware of their surroundings while enjoying engaging activities.