Pokemon GO has been out 2 weeks and already people are getting themselves into accidents or being the cause of one.
First off, on the loading screen, there literally is a warning page that says: "Remember to be alert at all times. Stay aware of your surroundings". Of course, people will ignore that because as others will have it, rules are made to be broken and others are too busy playing the game. Don't get me wrong! It's a completely distracting game--I play the game too--but it's all a matter of time and place for everything. Common sense would have it as that you wouldn't and shouldn't be crossing the street without making sure it's clear anyway; "Look both ways before crossing the street," used to be the saying. But that isn't the case for some people.
For instance, WPXI News reported that Tracy Nolan from "Tarentum" blamed Pokemon GO for her daughter, Autumn, getting hit by a car. Pause. WHAT?! So the blame is on Niantic: The Pokemon Company for your teenager's poor decision making, who on her own volition, DECIDED to go crossing a highway at 5 o'clock, that even her mother knew was rush hour. At the end of the article, Nolan stated, “Parents, don't let your kids play this game because you don't want to go through what I went through last night. I really thought I was losing my daughter." BRUH! I cannot even... Parents, PLEASE do let your children play this game because this might teach them about taking responsibility for their actions and being aware of their surroundings.
Second off, there's an article floating around saying that Congress wants to regulate Pokemon GO because of its significant risk to public safety. Hold up. Excuse me. Once again, it is NOT a significant risk to public safety because the public is a danger to themselves. People just choose to not pay attention or think this Pokemon Adventure is carefree. Furthermore, Nintendo does NOT have a corporate responsibility "to make sure that it's customers don't make terrible decisions." Are they freaking serious?! It's literally saying that the people don't have a mind of their own. Typical politics.
Finally, to the other Pokemon Trainers falling off cliffs, getting into car accidents, and getting their stuff stolen, props to you for not blaming the game and taking responsibility; albeit, not those who got their stuff stolen, that's just wrong. I'm not even going to lie, I myself have nearly walked into poles and gotten hit by cars all because I wasn't paying attention. At the end of the day, it's my responsibility to break my attention away from the game in order to cross the streets safely. If I can't get to a Pokemon, I'm pretty sure there are other places that have that same Pokemon elsewhere. Furthermore, if you're with a friend, one can play Pokemon GO while the other pays attention. It's the closest thing you have that's similar to a designated driver, only this time for Pokemon GO.
Overall, stop being children and knock it off with the blame game; children actually know better than you do. Actually, take responsibility for the shenanigans you cause or get yourself into. Be safe and go catch em' all.
