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Japan police: 700 Pokemon Go players cited for traffic violations

Police issued warnings to users of smartphones at JR Nakano Station
Police issued warnings to users of smartphones at JR Nakano Station

TOKYO (TR) – According to the National Police Agency, officers have cited more than 700 players of Pokemon Go for traffic infractions since the launch of the popular smartphone game last month, reports the Sankei Shimbun (July 29).

Between the launch on July 22 and Tuesday, there had been 727 citations issued to persons playing the game and operating a vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle. As well, players of the game had caused 15 accidents that involved at least one injury. In another 44 cases, players caused property damage. Of the latter cases, half involved bicyclists.

Of Japan’s 47 administrative districts, Tokyo topped the list with 58 infractions. Saitama (49) and Kanagawa (48) prefectures ranked second and third, respectively. Tottori had the least with one.

Warning

On August 1, Tokyo Metropolitan Police began issuing oral warnings about playing the game while bicycling, according to NHK (Aug. 1). Outside JR Nakano Station, officers issued leaflets that demanded “those using a smartphone must stop.”