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No Pokémon Go while driving

Last year it was peas and guac. Now, it's Pokemon Go.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is weighing in on the Pokemon Go phenomenon with a warning for drivers. (Photo: Arizona Department of Transportation)

Last year it was peas and guac. Now, it's Pokemon Go.

The Arizona Department of Transportation, which has drawn publicity recently for its eye-catching messages on digital signs along Valley freeways, is now weighing in on the smartphone game phenomenon with a warning for drivers:

"POKEMON GO IS A NO-GO WHEN DRIVING."

ADOT said the warnings will be posted on overhead highway signs around the state for the next week.

Pokémon Go is an interactive smartphone app in which players travel to public places including parks, businesses and landmarks in pursuit of catching various monsters while checking in a "Pokestops."

“Distracted driving takes many forms, even looking for Pokemon,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said in a press release. "Although we hope you 'catch ’em all,' if you’re not focused on driving with your eyes on the road, you’re at a higher risk of injuring or killing yourself and others in a crash. No Pokemon is worth that.”

ADOT said they urge all players to be safe while playing the game and suggested a new hashtag for social media: #DontCatchAndDrive.

Last November, ADOT's warning against lit up social media for its reference to a national debate over guacamole. The New York Times had published a guacamole recipe that included green peas, stirring debate among foodies and chefs across the country.

ADOT's message read: "DRINKING & DRIVING GO TOGETHER LIKE PEAS & GUAC."

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