Gotta Catch Em All

Take a peak out your window – chances are high that you’ll see a few people wandering around, staring intently at their phones.  These people will stop periodically, shift direction, swipe at their screens a few times, then proceed on their way.

pokemongoThey’re playing Pokemon Go, which in the week since its release has become the hottest app on both Android and iPhone platforms.  The game utilizes the adorable creatures developed for various incarnations of video games and cartoons and plugs them into the real world using augmented reality and GPS location, similar to geocaching.  As you move around the real world, Pokemon appear close enough for you to catch by throwing a Pokeball.

As a walk-around game, Pokemon encourages physical activity.  Take the kids to a park or a lake for an afternoon of running around catching Pikachu and Charmander.  Head to your local church or library to visit a Pokestop and refill your Pokeball collection.

The trouble is, people aren’t just playing this game while walking around – some are also playing while driving, and one driver even struck a parked police car while playing the game.

There are three types of distractions while driving – visual distractions take your eyes off the road, manual distractions take your hands off the wheel, and cognitive distractions take your mind off the driving task.  Pokemon Go is incredibly effective as all three types of distractions, making driving while catching potentially very dangerous.

I’ve spent the past week talking about the dangers of such a level of distraction with all my students, while appreciating their love of the game.  We’ve worked in “Pokemon breaks” in some lessons, while setting up others geared toward special Pokemon destinations.  We’re learning to use the car to play the game, without playing the game while driving.

If you have new drivers in your household, it’s critical to take some time to talk with them about Pokemon Go and distracted driving.

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