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LOCAL CHAMPION! July 28 - Aug. 3, 2016 • Page 9A Photo by Travis Hudgons Pokemon Go craze leads to unintended dangers, nuisances by Horace Holloman horace@dekalbchamp.com F or millennials, teenagers and adults alike, the phone application Pokemon Go has become a welcome distraction from everyday life. Since the application’s July 6 release date, Pokemon Go has become one of the most popular mobile games worldwide. According to Verto Analytics, Pokemon Go had a total of 12.6 million users by July 16. The game is also one of the fastest mobile games to reach 10 million worldwide users. It took Pokemon Go just seven days to reach 10 million users, which is two days quicker than Clash Royale, five days quicker than Candy Crush and 12 days faster than Angry Birds 2. However, having so many avid gamers has affected other aspects of life for players and the public. According to reports, businesses are being bombarded with Pokemon Go players trying to “catch them all.” The game uses features such as Pokestops, which are designated by a phone’s GPS. These Pokestops can be locations such as restaurants, gyms or houses. Leon’s Full Service in Decatur happens to be one of the game’s Pokestops and the restaurant’s staff is trying to deal with the influx of traffic. Manager and bartender Sophia Veitch said the restaurant has decided not to charge participants of the game looking to take advantage of the bar’s Pokestop, but wants players to be more respectful of the establishment. “I can definitely say that business is good and it’s nice to see people who don’t normally go out come to our restaurant, but a lot of [Pokemon Go players] don’t understand the way a restaurant works. A lot of people are coming in and camping out. The game is fun, but at the same time you have to be respectful of employees,” Veitch said. Veitch, who has been with Leon’s Full Service for more than a year, said she enjoys the restaurant being a Pokestop. Veitch also said she enjoys playing Pokemon Go, but other users should think about playing in moderation. “When you open the app it tells you to be aware of your surroundings and be respectful. Just take the time to look up from your phone and be nice to our staff who are just there trying to make sure you’re OK,” Veitch said. “We’re a Pokestop so you can stop out front and we don’t feel like charging. We’re happy to do it and hope you grab a drink while you catch them all.” Playing the game has also resulted in unintended dangers for some users. According to reports players distracted by the game have walked on a military base or wandered into oncoming traffic. In California, two men fell off a cliff while looking for Pokemon. Michael Yarbrough, assistant chief with the DeKalb County Police Department, said the dangers of being distracted on a mobile device are real. “We’ve seen high school and college students walking and they’re so engaged their phone that they miss the car turning into the crosswalk,” Yarbrough said. “We want people to pay attention and watch where they’re going. Talking on the phone or texting while driving distracts you. If you’re using your GPS to find the next Pokemon your attention is diverted away.” In Missouri, four teens were arrested after using the game’s lure model to rob victims. “When you’re meeting up at a group location, you have to be careful of who you’re meeting with or who you’re communicating with,” Yarbrough said. D MORE ACCESS & EASIER PAYMENTS ONLINE New Features Include: • Self-enroll in E-billing and/or select to receive paper statements. • Name and password requirement for enhanced security. • Research your payment history and view billing statements. • Link multiple accounts allowing for greater account management. For more information or to pay your bill online, please visit us at www.dekalbwatershed.com. 1 $4 processing fee will apply; fee can be avoided with auto-pay. Check Out the New Porta www.dekalbwatershed.cor