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Teen Distracted by Pokémon Go Struck on Busy Highway
In a twist of fate that seems straight out of a cautionary tale, a 15-year-old named Kayla Simmons found herself in a bit of a pickle while engrossed in the world of Pokémon Go. The game, which has captivated millions, is also ruffling a few feathers in the realm of pedestrian safety, as folks—kids and adults alike—try to ‘catch ’em all’ at the expense of their surroundings.
Kayla was trying to snag some virtual critters when she inadvertently wandered onto a busy intersection about 20 miles from Pittsburgh. “I have to blame Pokémon Go for this,” she confided in WTAE. “To reach the Pokémon, we often have to cross roads!” Her mother, Linda, chimed in, “Kids don’t just dart across highways without a reason,” but let’s be real—many do, often without a scratch.
With distracted driving causing more than eight fatalities and 1,161 injuries daily in the U.S. alone, as per the CDC, it’s crucial to teach children about being aware of their surroundings. And it’s not just drivers who are distracted; “distracted walking” has led to over 10,000 injuries in the last decade. Kayla insisted she wasn’t playing the game when she crossed the road, though reports indicated she may have bypassed a clearly marked crosswalk. “When I got the call she was hit, I straight-up blamed Pokémon Go,” Linda said. “My daughter wouldn’t even be out if it weren’t for the game—she’s practically a hermit!”
Despite the concerns, many parents appreciate how the game encourages their kids to get outside. Yet, it’s easy to see how the game’s engrossing nature can lead to dangerous distractions. A spokesperson from the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh noted that Kayla wasn’t their first patient linked to Pokémon Go mishaps. Just last week, Pennsylvania police released warnings about users tripping, falling, and stumbling into the streets while playing.
While it’s great that kids are getting fresh air and exercise, we must ensure they’re not glued to their screens while navigating the real world. For more on staying safe while engaging with the game, check out this insightful piece on home insemination.
In summary, as exciting as Pokémon Go can be, it’s essential for players to stay vigilant, or they might find themselves in sticky situations—not unlike those faced by parents looking into home insemination options. For more tips on improving fertility, you might want to check out these supplements. Plus, if you’re curious about the science behind it, the Genetics and IVF Institute offers a wealth of information.