AAA is urging drivers of all ages to put down your smartphone and stop playing Pokemon Go while you're behind the wheel.

Ed Welsh of AAA Central New York says the new augmented reality game sweeping the country only makes the problem of distracted driving worse, and can lead to potentially deadly consequences.

Last week a 28-year-old Auburn man avoided serious injury after crashing his car into a tree while playing the game, and Welsh says it's not the game's fault, it's the player's:

"I'm willing to bet this is not going to be the first or last that we've heard of this," Welsh said. "And you know what? Squirtle and Pikachu are not to be blamed. It's really about careless drivers who think they can fiddle with their smartphones and drive the car at the same time."

According to AAA 5,000 of all vehicle fatalities happen because of distracted driving, and that is much worse for younger drivers who are more in tune with technology.

"Six out of 10 moderate to severe teen crashes are a direct result of using smartphones," Welsh added.

Welsh says if you must be in the car to play the game, have another player or two with you so one person can focus on driving safely, and the others can hunt Pokemon for you.

AAA says if you've really 'gotta catch 'em all,' please do so safely.

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