Driver collides with tree while playing Pokemon Go
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The incredibly popular Pokemon Go smartphone game nearly claimed its first life Tuesday night after a driver in upstate New York swerved off the road and hit a tree while trying to catch Pokemon, police said.
According to Syracuse.com, an unidentified 28-year-old man was trying to catch Pokemon on his phone at about 10:45 p.m. when he got distracted and veered off the roadway and crashed into a tree.
Auburn police said the man wasn’t seriously injured, despite the front of his car being crumpled. The man admitted to police that he was playing Pokemon Go.
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Auburn Police Chief Shawn Butler said that the man’s name will be released once the investigation is complete. Syrause.com reported that traffic tickets are pending.
Police said in a statement that drivers must use common sense when playing the game and offered some advice to Pokemon hunters.
? Don't play the game while driving a car or bicycle.
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? Don't trespass on private property just to "catch" a Pokemon.
? Avoid staring down at your phone and be aware of hazards like roadways, drop-offs and waterways.
? Be cautious of who you share your location with.
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? Don't travel alone.
Pokemon has become a wildly popular game and has already drawn some controversy. A number of historical sites have already asked people to not play the game while visiting, deeming it inappropriate.