The Pokémon Go craze has seen thousands of gamers hit the streets all across the nation. But can this augmented reality phone app actually cause harm? Apparently it can. There have already been a number of cases in the U.S. where Pokemon fans have been playing the game while driving, leading to accidents and injury.
Pokémon Go Distracts Drivers
Much like texting while driving, playing Pokémon Go is a serious distraction and can have dangerous outcomes.
- On July 13, 2016, two Canadian police officers suffered injuries when a car backed into their cruiser. The driver and the passenger of the other vehicle admitted they had been paying Pokémon Go.
- On July 14, 2016, a Pokémon trainer from New York was playing while driving and ran his car into a tree. Fortunately he was not seriously injured.
- On July 20, 2016, a Baltimore man was playing Pokémon Go while driving, and not watching the road, when his car slammed into a police car. Fortunately the patrol vehicle was empty at the time and no one was injured.
These incidents, and many others, have prompted police throughout the nation to issue safety warnings to Pokémon Go players. In Chicago, like many other big cities, Pokémon Go can be a significant danger. Thankfully, no serious or fatal accidents have yet been caused due to Pokémon playing drivers, but this could happen at any time.
Distracted Driving and Illinois State Law
Distracted driving poses a serious threat to pedestrians and other drivers. Illinois law prohibits texting or making hand-held calls while driving. Drivers who are caught playing Pokémon Go will also be given a ticket. An initial fine for violating the Illinois cell phone law may be assessed. Cell phone and texting laws are traffic laws. This means a law enforcement officer may pull you over if he or she witnesses the offense and can immediately issue you a citation.
What to Do If You Have Been Hit By a Distracted Driver
If you or a family member has been injured in an accident with a distracted driver in Chicago contact us at Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC. Our experienced Chicago distracted driving car accident lawyers are committed to investigating your situation and helping you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today to at (312) 243-9922 to arrange a free consultation. No fees will be charged unless we succeed in winning your personal injury case.
