In a troubling incident highlighting the potential dangers of mobile gaming, a 15-year-old girl, whom we’ll call Sarah, was struck by a car while playing Pokémon Go. The accident occurred about 20 miles outside of Pittsburgh, where Sarah crossed a busy intersection in pursuit of virtual creatures. She expressed her belief that the game played a role in her accident. “To access certain Pokémon, we have to cross roads,” Sarah stated in an interview. “I do think it’s partly to blame.”
Sarah explained that she had to navigate a four-lane roadway to catch a Pokémon. Her mother, Julia, commented on the situation, “Kids typically don’t venture onto highways without a reason.” While this is true, it’s essential to remember that many individuals—children and adults alike—cross busy streets every day without incident.
As a healthcare professional, I want to emphasize the importance of teaching children to stay alert and aware of their environment, especially considering the rising number of crashes involving distracted drivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over eight people die and 1,161 are injured daily in the U.S. due to accidents linked to driver distraction. Authorities are already investigating similar incidents involving drivers who were allegedly distracted by Pokémon Go.
Moreover, safety experts report that more than 10,000 individuals in the U.S. have been injured due to “distracted walking” over the past decade. In this instance, Sarah mentioned that she wasn’t actively playing the game at the time of her crossing. News coverage indicated that the area had a clearly marked crosswalk, but it remains unclear whether she utilized it or chose to cross elsewhere. Julia remarked, “When she called to say she had been hit, I immediately thought of the game. She wouldn’t have been outside otherwise; my daughter prefers staying indoors.”
While many parents appreciate Pokémon Go for encouraging their kids to engage in outdoor activities, the game’s captivating nature can also distract users, both young and old. A representative from a local children’s hospital mentioned that Sarah was not the first patient they had treated due to incidents involving Pokémon Go. Police in Pennsylvania had previously issued a warning to residents about the game, citing reports of users tripping, falling, and inadvertently stepping into traffic.
It’s crucial for us to encourage our children to remain aware of their surroundings, regardless of what’s happening on their screens. For more insights on safe practices during outdoor activities, you can check out our other blog posts, such as this one on home insemination kits and the authoritative information from Make a Mom. Also, for those interested in pregnancy resources, Facts About Fertility is an excellent source of information.
In summary, while Pokémon Go can provide outdoor fun and exercise, it is imperative that players remain vigilant to avoid accidents, especially in busy areas.