Don’t text and drive, don’t drink and drive, don’t Pokémon Go and drive. AAA Mid-Atlantic and TMA Bucks is warning drivers that playing Pokémon Go behind the wheel is just as dangerous as any other form of distracted driving.
AAA and the TMA also cautions that distracted pedestrians are risking their safety and the safety of other road users as they take their eyes off the sidewalk and roads. Distracted driving and walking is a bad combination. Distracted driving is responsible for the deaths of one out of every 10 drivers nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
There are distracted driving laws in place for good reason. Pennsylvania’s law against texting while driving took effect March 8, 2012.
To help drivers avoid a dangerous situation, AAA offers tips to help drivers avoid the temptation of texting or gaming while behind the wheel:
- Put your cellphone in the glove compartment or trunk to avoid the temptation.
- Ask for help from the passenger if you need to make a call or text.
- Download a safety app that will lock your phone while you’re driving.
Pedestrians are also dealing with distraction. Pokémon Go was designed for walking, which causes many players to constantly look down at their phones and not pay attention to where they are. Pedestrians playing the game should be aware of where they are and what they’re doing says AAA. Distracted pedestrians are just as likely to cause a crash by not paying attention to surrounding roadways and traffic.
