Pokémon Go not worth risking your life for

– BCAA urges parents to learn the game and keep their kids safe

BURNABY, BC, July 19, 2016 /CNW/ - BCAA urges parents to take vigilant steps to keep kids safe around roads when playing the popular augmented reality mobile game, Pokémon Go, after reports of some serious consequences around the world.

"Chasing Pokémon can be fun and exciting but not worth risking your life for," says Shawn Pettipas, manager, community impact at BCAA. "I can't stress enough how dangerous it is for kids to play this game on and around roads, particularly unaccompanied." He advises parents to use the game as an opportunity to remind their children about the rules of the road and how important it is to always balance fun with safety.

A Kids Safe Canada study shows that children aged 5 to 14 years are at the greatest risk for pedestrian-related injuries and fatalities. According to the BC Coroners Service, over 2,400 child pedestrians are seriously injured and approximately 30 are killed each year in Canada. Distraction can be a big factor, with a University of Alabama study using a virtual environment revealing that kids distracted by cell phones while crossing the street:

• were one-third more likely to be hit or nearly hit by a car;
• took 20 percent longer to begin crossing the street;
• looked both ways 20 percent fewer times before crossing the street;
• gave themselves 8 percent less time to cross safely in front of oncoming traffic.

BCAA's safety tips for parents

• Before letting kids play, try downloading the game yourself. Get familiar with it and understand not only the fun but also the risks.
• Advise kids to play in groups – have a safety conscious spotter.
• Ensure younger kids always play with a parent or responsible adult.
• Use Pokémon Go as a reason to discuss road safety.

BCAA also urges drivers to take precautions and watch for players

Slow down and watch out for kids – if a kid (or adult!) is near the road with a mobile device they may be distracted. Lock eyes. Be alert. Honk if you need to.

Expect the unexpected – such as kids darting out from between parked cars. Always check for pedestrians when you're backing up, and be aware that kids could be present on any side of the vehicle.

"We realize that kids are going to play this game and we want them to have fun but we also want them to stay safe. We all play a role in road safety and this is a good opportunity for parents to discuss safety and lead by example," Pettipas says. 

About BCAA
BCAA has a long history focused on keeping kids safe on the road and at play through safety programs such as its School Safety Patrol, Community Child Car Seat and most recently, BCAA Play Here which last week provided $260,000 to revitalize kids' play spaces in B.C.

The most trusted organization in British Columbia by its Members, BCAA serves 1 in 3 B.C. households with industry-leading products including home, auto and travel insurance, roadside assistance, Evo Car Share and full auto service at BCAA's Auto Service Centres. BCAA has also been named an Aon Best Employer – Canada 2016, Gold Level. With more than 100,000 partners worldwide, BCAA's 840,000 Members can save up to $1,000 per year on insurance and items they use every day. To learn more about how a BCAA Membership is rewarding, please visit bcaa.com.

About BCAA's Community Impact Programs
Part of BCAA's mandate is to protect kids throughout British Columbia. We do this by:

• Keeping children safer in school zones, with student School Safety Patrollers across the province.
• Educating thousands of people a year across B.C. on the proper use and installation of child car seats.
• Donating thousands of new child car seats over the last four years to reach families in need.
• Distributing thousands of reflective armbands around Halloween to make kids more visible to drivers.
• Providing Members with 'Slow Down, Kids Playing' signs to encourage safer driving in residential areas.

SOURCE British Columbia Automobile Association