WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a joint letter to Niantic Labs Inc., the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) said they are concerned about reports that Pokémon characters, “Pokestops” and other virtual objects are being placed near railroad tracks, stations and rail-yard facilities, The Hill reports.

“While the game has brought people together and inspired a sense of exploration, elements of play are putting users in situations where their safety is at risk,” the letter said. "This not only puts them in danger of being hit by a train, it also endangers the safety of both passengers and crew members aboard trains, workers along the track and members of the public who live or work in the nearby area.”

The FRA and AAR are urging Niantic to consider avoiding placing characters and other virtual points of interest near railroads, since nearly all rail-related fatalities are caused by trespassing or highway-rail-crossing incidents. For the full story, click here.