Winnipeg police, RCMP warn drivers about using Pokemon Go behind the wheel

Pokemon Go's booming popularity has prompted Winnipeg police and Manitoba RCMP to warn drivers to catch Pokemon responsibly not while they're at the wheel.

Const. Jason Michalyshen, spokesman for the Winnipeg police, said he's had several inquiries about the game.

"We want members of the public to always be aware of their personal safety. I have seen people engaged in this app and they have clearly no other bearings with respect to what else might be going on around them. They are oblivious to it," he said.

"It's a friendly reminder," he said."Be mindful of your personal safety regardless of how fun this game might be and how interactive it is."

The augmented reality app lets players 'catch' virtual Pokemon in the real world.

It also means a lot of people are walking around with their eyes glued to their phones, looking for Pokemonbut perhaps not looking out for themselves.

The Manitoba RCMP, meanwhile,wantto stress that acar is not the best place to search forCharmander.

The police warnings come with good reason, with some unfortunatePokemon GO incidents reported around the world. Those include falling into a hole, getting robbedand stumbling upon a dead body instead of a cute Pokemon.

So while this may be the ultimate way to live out a millennial childhood fantasy, look up from your phones and stay safe out there, trainers.

"If you have that phone in your hand while you are driving, that's a concern, that's an issue,"Michalyshensaid.

"Let's be mindful of what the task at hand is, and that's operating a motor vehicle in the safest way possible."

Winnipeg police stress safety for Pokemon Go players

8 years ago

Duration 1:37

Pokemon GO's booming popularity has prompted Winnipeg police and Manitoba RCMP to warn drivers to catch Pokemon responsibly - and not while they're at the wheel.