The new Pokemon Go app gained popularity in a matter of days across the country. Since the popularity has increased so quickly, officials are concerned for the safety of the players.

The interactive game guides users to various surrounding areas and has caused many to be so immersed in the game that they lose sight of where they are headed.

Director at the UNC Highway Safety Research Center David Harkey said this app has emphasized the need to be aware of your surroundings while playing the game.

“Put the phone away, take your eyes off the phone as you are crossing streets and as you are in the presence of motor vehicles,” Harkey said.

News stories across the country have reported accidents involving people playing the game while driving.

“The app will function at very low speeds and so we’ve seen cases of drivers actually trying to play the app while rolling down the roadway. We’ve seen cases of bicyclists actually trying to use the app while traveling down the road or on a trail,” Harkey said. “Anyway that you can imagine anyone using this app, I think they’re using it.”

The game attracts all age groups. Harkey said it is important for the parents of younger children with this app to discuss safety precautions while playing.

“They’re going to be even less cognizant of their surroundings at times and not have that same sense of awareness that maybe a teenager or college-aged student may have. So it’s very important to remember that,” Harkey said. “This is where we want to encourage parents as well to make sure they have that discussion with their children about the need to be aware of their surroundings and to be safe at all times.”

Harkey said it’s important to pay attention and know where you are and what’s around you while playing the game.

“We’ve seen stories and incidents of individuals being lured into maybe some unsafe places. Playing in numbers is one of the ways to insure your personal safety as well as pedestrian safety,” Harkey said. “The other thing to be aware of is if you are playing this late in the evening or at night, wear something that is brightly colored, carry a flashlight, make sure you are visible; that’s very important. I think most importantly, do not play this while you are driving or trying to ride a bicycle, I think that’s a bad idea all the way around.”

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