The allure of catching rare Pokemon in augmented reality games like Pokemon Go can be incredibly tempting. This personal account details a serious car accident caused by playing Pokemon Go while driving, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of prioritizing safety over the thrill of the game.
Playing Pokemon Go while driving can lead to disastrous consequences. In this case, the driver, a 28-year-old revisiting his childhood passion for Pokemon, was searching for a rare Lapras. The pursuit led him to drive at night near a lake, ultimately resulting in a collision with a tree after checking the Pokemon Go app on his phone.
The accident caused severe injuries, including two broken ankles, a deep laceration on the elbow and knee, and various cuts and bruises. One ankle required surgery with the insertion of a metal plate and four screws. The car, belonging to the driver’s brother, was totaled. The impact forced the engine through the dashboard, destroying the phone and rendering the car unsalvageable.
Images of the wrecked car, shared on Facebook by the driver’s mother, served as a stark warning about the dangers of playing Pokemon Go while driving. The post garnered significant attention, eliciting both sympathy and harsh criticism. While the driver acknowledged his mistake and accepted responsibility, the incident underscores the need for heightened awareness about the risks of distracted driving. He received tickets for using an electronic device while driving and failing to stay in his lane.
This incident serves as a potent reminder that no Pokemon is worth risking your life or the lives of others. The driver, though remorseful and fortunate to have survived without causing harm to anyone else, now faces a long recovery and the financial burden of replacing his brother’s car. While he has since re-downloaded the game, his mobility is limited, providing a constant reminder of the consequences of his actions. This story emphasizes the crucial message: never play Pokemon Go or any other mobile game while driving.
