A man in upstate New York crashed his vehicle into a tree Wednesday night in what is believed to be the nation's first wreck involving a driver playing the hot new Pokémon Go game. Law enforcement and safety officials are worried many more will follow.
This week electronic billboards along Wisconsin highways tell motorists to "drive now, catch Pokémon later." Other agencies have taken to Twitter and Facebook warning drivers not to hunt for animated monsters while behind the wheel.
Enter some quick entrepreneurs. A few cash-minded people with a vehicle are posting Craigslist ads offering transportation to Pokémon players who would rather catch a ride than walk.
In Minneapolis, one advertisement promises to drive players to "Pokéstops," gyms and other places in the city where players can capture monsters made famous years ago by trading cards, cartoons and video games. The cost: $25 per person for two hours.
"I will drive you around Minneapolis metro area while you play Pokémon Go. You tell me where to go, will make stops whenever needed!" the ad reads. "Rides will include snacks and beverages. Wi-Fi included Comfortable car with room for 4."
Similar ads have popped up in Baltimore; Portland, Ore.; New York; Houston and Vancouver, where some services start at as much as $40 per hour.
Though the game is meant to be played by walking, hiring a chauffeur might not be such a bad idea. Some motorists have been caught playing the free smartphone game, you guessed it, while driving.
Which prompted this warning from AAA Minneapolis:
