Connecticut drivers of commercial trucks and passenger vehicles alike should be aware that the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will soon be holding its annual Operation Safe Driver Week. It has been scheduled for June 15 to 21. During this week, the CVSA will be joining with law enforcement nationwide to intensify its targeting of unsafe drivers.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, unsafe driving is the No. 1 cause of highway accidents. In particular, it is the cause of 88 percent of all large truck crashes and 93 of crashes involving passenger vehicles. The purpose of the Operation Safe Driver Program is to reduce the number of these accidents.

Enforcement personnel will especially be on the lookout for instances of texting and driving, distracted driving, speeding, failure to obey traffic control devices and other moving violations. Drivers could also be cited for following too closely to other vehicles or not wearing their seat belts.

Last year's Operation Safe Driver Week resulted in nearly 39,000 citations and warnings for commercial vehicle drivers alone. Most of these were for violations like seat belt neglect, speeding and cell phone use.

When negligent or reckless behavior leads to a commercial truck accident, the victim can file a claim against the at-fault party. If successful, he or she may be reimbursed for medical bills, vehicle damage, lost wages and more. It may take a lawyer, however, to build up the case and negotiate for the settlement.

Accident attorneys usually have a network of accident investigators, photographers and other experts who can gather the police report, work log and other evidence that might show how a trucker was at fault. Legal counsel can also help clients litigate if negotiations fall through.