SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --
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.”