Times of Oman

Playing Pokemon Go while driving is dangerous: Expert

- HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

MUSCAT: A safety expert has called upon Omani drivers not to play Pokemon Go while driving.

Based around Nintendo’s popular video game franchise, the augmented reality app allows users to catch imaginary creatures in real-life surroundin­gs using their phone’s camera.

Although the game has not been officially launched through Oman’s Apple Store, Pokemon fans are downloadin­g the game from stores in different regions.

Meanwhile, traffic safety expert Wahid Al Kharusi said that using such games on the roads can lead to accidents.

However, while he advised that the location-based game should not be banned, awareness about using the game responsibl­y must be raised by the authoritie­s.

“If people are educated about how to use the game, and taught about its dangers, they will react to that and play it in a responsibl­e manner,” Al Kharusi added.

While traffic safety experts around the globe criticise the game, it does, on the other hand, encourage users to go outside and explore their surroundin­gs. Popular landmarks, such as The Child Museum in Al Qurum, some roundabout­s in Ruwi and other public locations, are being used as Pokemon centres for app players to buy virtual items for their beloved Pokemons.

 ??  ?? IMAGINARY CREATURES: Pokemon Go at Shatti Al Qurum in Muscat.
IMAGINARY CREATURES: Pokemon Go at Shatti Al Qurum in Muscat.

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