Pokemon fever sweeps Switzerland: Watch out, trip hazard!
Within a few days, the smartphone game Pokemon Go has conquered the world. Suva warns not to forget the real environment in the virtual hunt for the characters.
The augmented reality game Pokemon Go is not yet officially available in Switzerland. Nevertheless, you can see more and more people hunting for the colorful characters with their smartphones.
The game encourages gamers to leave the living room - because the Pokemons are hiding outside in the real world. Exercise is healthy, makes you more efficient and reduces the risk of accidents - actually a positive thing.
However, the first reports of injuries are already circulating in the media: When the eyes are glued to the smartphone screen while walking, users overlook obstacles and tripping hazards.
Suva is now officially warning against this: tripping accidents can have nasty consequences. Four out of ten disability pensions are due to such accidents.
Suva's tips for gaming enthusiasts:
- Walk carefully - even if Pokémon fever has caught you. Stumbling is dangerous to fall.
- Climbing stairs while searching for Pokémon is particularly risky. Therefore: Look away from the cell phone and onto the stairs.
- Hunt the Pokémons during the day and not in the evening. In the dark, trip hazards are less visible.
And there's also the threat of trouble on the road: In the U.S., the first driver has already steered his vehicle into a tree - he was distracted by the game. Others turned their vehicle around in the middle of the road to catch a monster or stopped in the middle of the highway. The German automobile club ADAC also warns against accidents: Players could feel animated to run across the road without paying attention to traffic. This is especially true for children.
