Players of gaming craze Pokemon Go are being warned to use their common sense to avoid putting themselves in danger following a number of accidents.
The app, which allows players to collect and battle with digital monsters in the real world, has been linked to stories of people injuring themselves and wandering into dangerous places.
There have been reports of drivers pulling up in potentially dangerous spots as they attempt to pursue the monsters.
Huddersfield-based road safety charity Brake has urged drivers to be sensible.
A Brake spokesman said: “With mobile technology becoming ever more available and advanced, it’s becoming the norm for people to be constantly online and connected.
“People are increasingly tempted to reach for their phone while driving, encouraged by interactive games like Pokemon Go – a recent Brake survey found that almost half of drivers (49%) aged 25-34 admitted to using apps while driving, even though this can triple the chances of crashing.
“Drivers need to use their common sense when it comes to using mobiles in vehicles, and the full force of the law should be brought against those who put lives in danger through distracted driving.
“In the meantime, Brake will continue to call for a total ban on mobile phone use at the wheel.”
Meanwhile, players have been warned they are dicing with death by waste and recycling company, Yorkshire-based BusinessWaste.co.uk
The firm said they have already been forced to warn players – both adult and children – away from recycling centres and landfill sites, where they have been oblivious to their own safety.
Recent incidents include:
- An adult asking to leave a waste and recycling site after being seen playing the game oblivious to the plant machinery around him.
- A family group seen hunting Pokemon at an active landfill site. They were given appropriate advice and escorted to safety.
- A teenager climbing on industrial bins containing metallic waste behind a factory because: “There’s a Jigglypuff here, give me two minutes.”
This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said a company spokesman. “Our clients all over the country are reporting similar problems.”
Spokesman Mark Hall said: “Real life isn’t like a game, you don’t get to go back to the beginning if you’re killed. Steer clear of rubbish tips and recycling plants, it’s not worth it.”
