Catch ‘em all … Safely!

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brittain Crolley
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, abducted by aliens, or a multitude of other scenarios that cut your ties to civilization, you’ve no doubt heard of the latest craze keeping people’s faces glued to their cell phones: Pokémon Go.

The mobile app utilizes GPS tracking and augmented reality technology allowing users to relive their childhood “catch” virtual monsters using their electronic devices. Although the game is free to play, there are already several stories of people paying the price while trying to “catch ‘em all”.

In Auburn, New York, a motorist thought it would be a good idea to bolster his Pokédex while driving. However, all he found was the base of a tree. Unfortunately, that story only begins to scratch the surface of driving-related incidents blamed on gameplay. 

“According to the National Safety Council, there have already been reports all around the United States of close calls related to people playing Pokémon Go while operating a vehicle,” said Staff Sgt. Micah Sampson, 4th Fighter Wing occupational safety manager. “In order to thwart this threat, I would encourage drivers to not to use their cell phone while driving by either simply putting their phone out of reach or using an app that will disable your phone and send an automatic reply for you while the vehicle is moving.” 

However, not all reported incidents have come from players being distracted behind the wheel. Near Pittsburgh, a young girl crossed a four-lane intersection and was struck by an oncoming vehicle while trying to hunt down a Pokémon. Similarly, two men in Encinitas, California, fell from a cliff while paying more attention to the game than their surroundings. 

In addition to these distraction-related incidents, the game has also given criminals a new medium to target potential victims. In O’Fallon, Missouri, armed robbers used the game’s “lure” feature, which attracts Pokémon to a certain location and can be accessed by any player in the area, to attack a group of teens at gunpoint. Several third-party programs promising a better gaming experience were also identified as phishing attempts to gain personal information. 

“Airmen need to be aware of their surroundings and don't fall prey to elicitation attempts to get their personal information,” said Gregg Gow, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 216 special agent-in-charge. “My bigger concern is our kids. Parents should always be aware of their kids’ cell phone use and who they are interacting with online. We always recommend having a buddy for safety.” 

While the game has certainly given Airmen a reason to get out of their dorms, socialize and flock to Heritage Park, a hotspot on base for gamers, it’s imperative to maintain good situational awareness and remain safe on the journey to become a Pokémon master. 

“I would strongly urge gamers to choose their safety over their score,” Sampson said. “In today's Air Force, where we are constantly asked to do more with less, we can't afford to have someone get injured, or worse, lose their life over a game. Have fun, but please do so safely.”