Pokémon Go is a new smart phone game that has taken the world by storm with tens of millions of users from around the globe playing on a daily basis. In short, it's an augmented reality game that allows you to look at your screen and see Pokémon hanging around in real life locations – from your backyard to Kennywood Park to anywhere in the world.

The game has received massive publicity since its inception, including some negative PR about people straining and spraining ankles and even breaking bones! Of course, these types of accidents can be avoided with some simple precautions. Here are three common sense safeguards you can take to prevent injuring yourself if you play this mega-popular game:

#1: Watch Where You're Going!

It's important to always keep your eyes where you're walking and not looking down at your screen on the game. Not doing so can cause you to walk into other people, oncoming traffic, or simply trip over a curb.

Keep your eyes up while you walk and stop in a safe spot while searching for Pokémon. Naturally, this precaution also applies to texting while you walk. The bottom line is: watch where you're going and stay safe!

#2: Don't Overdo It

One of the biggest benefits to Pokemon Go is the fact that it's getting adults and kids alike out of the house and moving around. We love that about this game!

However, depending on your pre-Pokemon activity level, you'll want to proceed with caution. For example, if you haven't exercised in years and are now walking 5 miles a day to catch those ‘lil characters, then you may be overdoing it.

Blisters and sore feet are the least of your worries. The tendons on the bottom of your feet may become inflamed causing Plantar fasciitis, a painful condition that requires medical attention.

We're not saying to stop playing. You should be walking around and getting your exercise any way you can get it. We're just saying you need to stay within yourself and don't do too much too fast. That's when accidents and injuries occur most often.

In addition, it's important to stay hydrated. Dehydration is dangerous for your body and can slow your nervous systems' response time and cause you to make poor decisions.

#3: Avoid Dangerous Places

If you wouldn't walk into dark alley at 3AM before you started playing this game, why would you start now? Putting yourself in a precarious situation because of a game is not worth the risk.

But dark alleys aren't the only dangerous places. Pokémon have been spotted near pools and bodies of water. Near active and abandoned train tracks. And a slew of other places that may place you or a child at risk of injury or worse.

Like I said earlier, it's a game and not worth putting yourself in harm's way. If you'd avoid a dangerous place before you started playing this game, then please exercise caution and avoid the same dangerous places now.

With these simple precautions in mind, stay safe and have fun!