The “Pokemon Go” phenomenon is obvious and safety has taken a hit from gamers who irresponsibly drive and play. It is no different from the traditional texting and driving, something that ultimately result in the loss of lives.
Now, a California lawmaker is seeking to expand the ban on texting while driving which will likely include playing “Pokemon Go”. The state assembly sent a bill to Gov. Jerry Brown which would address the problem and curb down into foolish accidents caused by mobile device distractions, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Covering the loopholes
In most regions, such a law would have loopholes that some would use against law enforcement measures. But if reports are accurate, all those may have been finally plugged with the upcoming bill.
This is with reference to that part that prohibits users from having a mobile phone in their hands and actually talking while driving. Speculatively, simply having a phone in hand could merit apprehension.
Saving lives with an improved bill
Just recently, Japan was home to multiple tragedies, GameSpot reported. That includes a woman being struck while riding her bike by someone preoccupied playing “Pokemon Go”. There have been worldwide reports associated with the augmented reality game as well and some are even lucky to come out alive.
The fact is, that “Pokemon Go” has become overly popular that it now aligns itself with distracted driving that leads to accidents and unfortunate (sometimes ridiculous) deaths. Niantic has taken the initiative with its in-game messaging but obviously, the effort is not enough. It is no longer the game developers call and the responsibility of knowing when to play “Pokemon Go” or not ultimately rests on the ones actually playing the game.
The US is starting to do the necessary measures and the same is expected as well in other regions. The game is truly addicting but not to the extent where lives are being compromised.
