Employees at the Arizona Department of Transportation channeled their inner child as hype and excitement built about the new "Star Wars" movie, "The Force Awakens," to warn against aggressive driving, the Phoenix New Times reported.

Overhead and roadside electronic signs along the state's highways have been showing the following messages:

  • "Aggressive Driving is the path to the dark side."
  • "Trust the force, but always buckle up."

Both reference lines from "Star Wars" movies, and are often quoted by fans of the franchise.

"We have a serious message to get out about stopping aggressive driving. If we can tap into popular culture with some humor, that's going to get people's attention," Tom Herrmann, a spokesman with Arizona's DOT, told The Arizona Republic.

Other states are following Arizona's lead. The transportation departments in Utah, Iowa, Colorado and Arizona all brushed up on their "Star Wars" trivia, channeled the force and coordinated their messages this week, The Arizona Republic reported.

Signs appearing in other states include:

  • "Awaken your inner force. Focus on the road."
  • "Texting and driving leads to the dark side."
  • "The force is strong with you. Put down the phone."
  • "Be a rebel, not a clone. Put down the phone."
  • "Road rage? Let the Wookiee win."

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opened on Friday and had the biggest box office opening ever, bringing in at least $240 million, according to CNN.

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