As cultural phenomena go, the sudden surge of interest in Pokemon GO, a new augmented-reality smartphone game, is something that even we didn’t see coming. Drive by any park on any evening in any Wisconsin city, and you’re bound to see countless individuals staring at their screen chasing an animated character that only they can see. Not surprisingly, it has already led to injuries and crimes, so we at EVS Auto Group thought we’d put together a few ways you can play Pokemon GO safely.

How to Play Pokemon GO Safely

Play in Areas You Know

Earlier this week, there were reports out of Missouri that players were being isolated and robbed while playing Pokemon GO. As with most anything, fun for many is ruined by the bad behavior of a few, and this is just further evidence of this. So stay in areas where you’re familiar, don’t venture onto private property, and know which neighborhoods are best to avoid.

Play with People that You Know

It’s obvious that part of the fun of Pokemon GO is interacting and competing with other players, both friends and strangers. However, you don’t want to simply wander off with people that you’ve never met, since this might lead you into areas where you are unfamiliar. It’s better to play with people you know, in spots that you are well-acquainted.
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Watch Where You’re Going

With Pokemon GO, we’ve got masses of people walking aimlessly, staring at their phones, and not really looking around. What could go wrong, right? Well, kind of a lot. You could walk into other people, you could run into solid objects, you could wander right into traffic. (We’ve seen this happen.) So even while you’re playing, it’s important to keep stock of your surroundings whenever possible.
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Don’t Poke and Drive

You’d like to believe that this doesn’t happen, but that is unfortunately not the case. Even when drivers are heading to one of the “Poke-stops” (yes, they’re really called that), they’ve generally got the app loaded and ready on their phone. This is dangerous in and of itself. So don’t look for Pokemon as you’re driving, since this is every bit as reckless as texting and driving.
It’s a little bizarre that a family of auto dealerships would have to impart safety advice regarding a smartphone game, but that’s how unbelievably popular Pokemon GO has become. We hope that these tips serve you well, that you come see us soon at EVS Auto Group, and that you catch all the Pikachu and Meowth you can handle!