Editorial: Pokemon precautions

Posted 7/21/16

Standing on the fountain in Independence Park. Strolling along the dock near the Prudence Island Ferry. Waiting to pray outside First Congregational Church.You just never know where a monster is …

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Editorial: Pokemon precautions

Posted

Standing on the fountain in Independence Park. Strolling along the dock near the Prudence Island Ferry. Waiting to pray outside First Congregational Church.

You just never know where a monster is lurking.

But you sure know where the monster hunters are. They aren’t exactly hard to spot. All one has to do is take a short stroll downtown to see groups of teenagers or twenty-somethings strolling around town together, all with their faces in their phones. They’re not texting their friends or checking the GPS for directions to the nearest taco stand. They are hunting Pokemon.

In just a few days after its release, Nintendo’s Pokemon GO app became the most downloaded phone app in the country. The game, which taps into a phone’s GPS and camera screen so a player can hunt down and “catch” the pocket monsters using virtual “poke balls,” is getting gamers outside by turning the real world into a virtual playground.

The game is increasing some otherwise sedentary youngsters’ exercise, bringing strangers together in a shared quest, and even increasing income at some small businesses that take advantage of being a “PokeStop,” where the friendly monsters hang out.

But it is also wreaking some havoc on the roadways. While there have been no Pokemon-related incidents reported in Bristol, according to Police Capt. Brian Burke, there have been reports around the country of people being hit by cars, falling off ledges and even crashing into trees while “Pokemoning.” There is also a report out of Missouri of criminals lying in wait at PokeStops to rob unsuspecting players.

Pokemon GO players need to take precautions for their safety and that of those around them, especially drivers who could be forced to swerve off the road to avoid a distracted player. Watching someone read a simple text while walking down the street is reason enough to fear serious injury to gamers further distracted by the colorful monsters popping up on their phone screens.

Players should go out in groups to help stay safe from potential predators. And they should use Pokemon GO’s safety features, including a setting that will alert gamers' phones to a nearby Pokemon, eliminating the need to stare at their phones while walking through traffic

While the onus is on the gamers, drivers also need to be aware of the Pokemoners’ presence. A little awareness and cooperation will help ensure a safe monster hunt for all.

Pokemon GO, Bristol Phoenix editorials, East Bay

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Mike Rego

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.