NYS DMV: ‘Don’t Pokemon & Drive’

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is urging New Yorkers to put their phones down instead of playing the popular Pokémon GO game while behind the wheel or walking near or across roadways. 

Pokemon Go, a free mobile app, uses your phones camera and GPS allowing users to search the real world and capture species of Pokemon. Unfortunately, there are reports from around the country and across multiple social media platforms of users playing Pokémon GO while they are driving or crossing the street, prompting warnings from law enforcement and traffic safety partners.

Terri Egan, DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner and GTSC Acting Chair said:

Distracted driving is behavior we at DMV and GTSC speak out against all year long. What is meant to be a fun game can have tragic real-world consequences if you’re playing it while driving or crossing the street. Simply put, catching virtual creatures to get to the next level is not worth risking your life or the lives of others

New York State prohibits all drivers from using portable electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle.

It wasn't hard to find videos of people using the app while driving. Here's one example below.