Don’t Drive And Pokemon Signs Are Going Up On Roadways

Common sense should dictate one simple truth: Don’t Pokèmon GO and Drive. However, the wildly popular app has spawned a string of incidents where players have blatantly ignored the game’s warning of playing attention to their surroundings. Instead, they chose to capture a few pokèmon after putting their cars into drive. And, now, Australia’s transit authority is pushing back against DUP (Driving Under Pokèmon) trainers.

Transit signs have started popping up in Melbourne to remind drivers to actually drive. Lit road signs will now have the message, “Don’t Drive And Pokemon” written on them in an effort to curb future accidents. The transit campaign will begin on Wednesday, and the signs have a definite possibility of spreading elsewhere should they be successful.

Robyn Seymour, the director of Victoria’s transit authority, told 3AW why they chose to pursue this signage. “We know how popular it is and it could be very tempting…We just want to keep everyone safe on the road, so we’re asking them not to do that,” she said.

The police themselves have also spoken about the influx of Pokèmon GO-related incidents. Spokesperson Natalie Webster said, “Pokèmon Go has become a worldwide phenomenon and while the charm of a Charmander can be all consuming, it’s important to make sure that you’re remaining vigilant while playing.” She went on to warn players who were caught DUP would have some hefty consequences to face. “As well as being very distracting and unsafe, catching a Pikachu while driving could earn you a $466 fine and four demerit points.”