WASHINGTON — To curb the number of deadly crashes on the most dangerous highways, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), in partnership with the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has launched Operation Safe Driver.

Its principal objective is to target and take action on problem drivers — both commercial and those who drive passenger vehicles.

“The statistics tell the tale — nearly nine out of 10 crashes between cars and trucks are attributed to the driver, with 56 percent of those attributed to the passenger car driver,” FMCSA Administrator John H. Hill said. “Programs like Operation Safe Driver will help all drivers realize how their decisions behind the wheel affect safety.”

Crash analysis by FMCSA shows that 56 percent of crashes involving a large truck and a passenger vehicle are attributed to the passenger vehicle driver. Forty-four percent of such crashes are attributed to the truck driver.

“CVSA wants to make clear that driving defensively and in a cooperative manner makes for safer highways for all drivers and passengers on the road,” CVSA Executive Director Stephen F. Campbell said. “Operation Safe Driver is part of a larger law enforcement effort and focus to reduce fatalities on the most dangerous, high crash corridors in North America.”

For a week during October, Operation Safe Driver targeted problem commercial and non-commercial driver behavior and performance across North America — involving nearly 3,700 law enforcement personnel and more than 1,500 localities in 31 states and 5 provinces — through a combination of enforcement, education and awareness strategies.