Statement from the National Safety Council on Pokémon Go Safety Concerns

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Jul 12, 2016, 11:23 ET

ITASCA, Ill., July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council urges pedestrians to exercise caution while playing the Pokémon Go augmented reality game, and the Council implores drivers to refrain from playing the game behind the wheel.

The mission of the National Safety Council is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy

Distraction is a well-documented threat to safety, both on foot and on our roads. Distracted walking has contributed to more than 11,000 injuries in the last decade[i]; distracted driving has killed thousands[ii]. Every single injury and death could have been prevented if pedestrians and drivers stayed alert and prioritized the task at hand.

Reports of close calls associated with playing Pokémon Go already are rolling in. The Council urges gamers to consider safety over their scores before a life is lost. No race to "capture" a cartoon monster is worth a life.

[i] According to University of Maryland study published in NSC Injury Facts 2015
[ii] According to NHTSA FARS data

About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

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SOURCE National Safety Council