He said such acts could also slow down traffic as it could distract a person when behind the wheel.

“The risk might be low if a driver is using the hands-free device but the use of mobile phones can cause traffic to slow down.

“In fact, it can result in accidents,” he told reporters after launching the Kedah-level integrated operations, dubbed “Op Selamat” 11/2017 in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration at the Guar Chempedak police station near here today.

Meanwhile, Asri said 54 locations in the state had been identified as “hotspots” for accidents during the operation, which would run until July 2.

“We have targeted to reduce accidents this year by 5%.

“The number of accidents in the state during last year’s Op Selamat was 1,201 cases, an increase of 11 cases from the previous year,” he said.