The week of Oct. 14-20 has been declared Operation Safe Driver Week. As such, and in an effort to prevent truck accidents, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance along with law enforcement officials around the country are calling on all drivers to employ safe driving practices.

Unsafe driving behaviors related to speeding, aggressive driving and distracted driving are contributing factors in nearly 90 percent of car and truck accidents. Accidents involving large commercial vehicles are especially deadly as these vehicles tend to be larger and heavier than a normal car or truck.

As part of the week's events, law enforcement and safe driving advocacy groups will aim to raise awareness of issues related to commercial vehicle safety. Topics emphasized include safe driving techniques to practice when driving around commercial vehicles as well as basic safety reminders related to seat belt use and distracted driving.

Aiming to reach as many Americans as possible, public service announcements related to these topics will run on radio stations throughout the country.

In addition to this year's regular education and awareness campaign, a campaign specifically targeting teen drivers will also be rolled out. Coined "Teens & Trucks: Curbing Distracted Driving", the program's curriculum will focus on teaching teen drivers how to use many of the tactics professional truck drivers use to reduce distractions and avoid being involved in accidents.

The focus on teen drivers and reducing or eliminating distractions comes in the wake of an increase in the number of car and truck accidents attributed to cell phone usage.

Source: Trucking Info, "Operation Safe Driver Week Aims to Prevent Distracted Driving," Oct. 17, 2012