Since the app Pokémon Go launched last week it has surpassed Twitter’s 65 million American users. The app takes to the streets and users are able to compete to capture, train, and battle Pokémon characters all through their mobile phones. While the app has been successful, the Arizona Department of Transportation is warning that Pokémon Go might be leading to more incidents of distracted driving.
Pokémon Go Results in Distracted Driving
The Arizona Department of Transportation has issued a reminder to gamers that Pokémon Go is a “no-go” when driving.
The smart-phone app has gotten gamers off their couches and out into the world to hunt Pokémon at landmarks, parks, and neighborhoods. But, as the the Arizona Department of Transportation and Arizona Department of Public Safety want to remind app-users, driving while searching for the rare monsters or checking in at PokéStops while driving is not a safe idea.
“Distracted driving takes many forms, even looking for Pokémon,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Although we hope you catch ’em all, if you’re not focused on driving with your eyes on the road, you’re at a higher risk of injuring or killing yourself and others in a crash. No Pokémon is worth that.”
As a result, the ADOT has put together this safety message: “Pokemon Go is a no-go when driving.” The message will be displayed statewide on overhead highway signs during this week.
“Distracted driving is not a game,” DPS Capt. Damon Cecil said. “Playing Pokémon Go is not worth your life or someone else’s.”
The hashtag “#DontCatchAndDrive” was also created to remind app users that “catching” and driving is not a good combination.
Distracted Driving
According to data collected by ADOT, in 2015, distracted driving contributed to at least 33 fatal crashes and nearly 8,000 distracted drivers were involved in crashes on Arizona roadways.
The following are all forms of distracted driving:
- Texting
- Using a cell phone or smartphone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
If you have been involved in an accident as the result of distracted driving, there are a number of things you’ll need to do.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
Here’s a list of things to NOT do after a car accident:
- Leave the scene. You are legally required to stop, check on the other person and car involved, exchange all insurance and contact information and report it to law enforcement. Failure to do so means you’ve committed a crime.
- Forget to call 911. Even if the car accident seems minor, if you don’t get an official police report that documents the accident, what proof do you have? Sometimes law enforcement might not respond to collision unless there are injuries, but you always have an opportunity to get a report of the accident. This can help in the claim process, as well as protect you.
- Lose your cool. Try to remain as calm as possible and be polite.
- Admit fault. Do not admit to anything. But doing so, you’re legally admitting liability for the accident. This can expose you to lawsuits or other penalties.
- Forget proper documentation. Documenting any damage done to cars or the scene will provide you with any necessary evidence should the accident lead to a lawsuit. Try to take a few minutes to write down what happened from your point of view. Note time, date, streets, makes models and colors of cars, direction you were heading, contact information, and information from any witnesses that were at the scene. This will all help to build your case and help determine liability.
Working with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in an automobile accident, you should immediately call a personal injury attorney that can help you build your case. They have the experience necessary to ensure you are able to prove your injuries so that you can collect the compensation you are owed.
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The attorneys at <a href="https://www.personalinjuryattorneys.me/car-accident-attorney-phoenix/">Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC</a> have experience handling personal injury cases such as car accidents, <a href="https://www.personalinjuryattorneys.me/slip-and-fall-attorney-phoenix/">slip and fall accidents</a>, and <a href="https://www.personalinjuryattorneys.me/dog-bite-attorney-phoenix/">dog bites</a>. After contacting an attorney they will investigate the specifics of the personal injury. The more information you can provide to them, the better. That means specifics of the crash, any witness information, any medical bills or time spent in hospital, and the specifics of your injuries. They will build a case for you based on these specifics and then defend you should the case go to trial. You'll want to work with experienced personal injury attorneys like the ones at Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC.
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