Aust'n motorists warned against playing popular mobile game while driving

Victoria's road authority has taken the unusual step of using billboards to warn drivers against playing mobile phone game Pokemon Go while in their cars.

The Pokemon app, which requires users to use their phone GPS and cameras to catch' characters from the popular anime series, has become a global phenomenon with an estimated 75 million downloads in its first month.

The rapid rise of the app has led VicRoads, Victoria's roads and traffic governing body, to erect signs on 11 popular Melbourne roads to remind drivers of the dangers of using your phones while driving.

One such sign on Hoddle St in Melbourne's inner northeast reads "don't drive and pokemon."

"To be honest, I never thought driving and (playing) a game would be something we would be putting messages up about," VicRoads Road Use Policy director Robyn Seymour told Melbourne radio station 3AW on Wednesday.

"But Pokemon Go has really caught the community's attention.

"Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds more than double your crash risk. We just want to keep everyone safe on the road, so we're asking them not to do that. We don't want to be putting drivers and other people at risk on the road."

Victorian drivers caught playing the game while driving will be handed a 350 US dollar fine and face a potential loss of licence if they are a repeat offender.

"Pokemon Go has become a worldwide phenomenon and while the charm of a charmander can be all consuming, it's important to make sure that you're remaining vigilant while playing," Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Webster told News Limited.

"If you're hunting on foot, be aware of traffic during your search."

Multiple reports have surfaced worldwide of people crashing their cars while playing the game with at least one accident reported so far in Australia.

（APD）