After a series of air traffic controllers have been caught napping while on duty, the Department of Transportation, led by Ray LaHood, announced new rules that will force controllers to have more time off between shifts and to be accompanied by a partner. The FAA will also conduct a thorough review of procedures, and "perhaps this will turn up more ways to reduce the number of sleepy controllers -- and the risk they pose to the traveling public," says a Kansas City Star editorial. But many newspaper boards around the country suggest that napping is really the solution to this ongoing problem. Here, a rundown of those who have advocated this week for snoozing:
Others do it: Even though LaHood already dismissed the idea, you have to think about it: "trauma doctors, firefighters, and other emergency workers regularly nap during their shifts," says a Boston Globe editorial. Besides, "Japan, Germany, and other countries authorize naps for flight controllers and even provide cots and quiet rooms." So, "LaHood should wake up, smell the coffee, and reconvene the FAA's controller fatigue working group with an eye toward solving this problem -- not grandstanding about it."
Evidence proves naps work: "Maybe LaHood thought naps would reinforce the stereotype of lazy government workers," but research shows they really do help people function better says a Chicago Tribune editorial. "We disagree. The Obama administration should reconsider and let controllers catch a few winks in the interest of safety. Of course, that would require government officials to choose common sense over political calculations." Do what's best for people's safety.
Make real changes: "It restores competence and judgment. In the case of those whose actions have potentially mortal consequence, napping may actually save lives," says an Oregonian editorial. It would be the beginning of the FAA's "decadelong push to replenish the flight controller workforce and fashion new rules that govern how things should work in the tower."
It's only natural: "Staying awake when the body craves sleep has long been a challenge for shift workers," says a Philadelphia Inquirer editorial. "Grueling schedule changes can be especially taxing on air traffic controllers and others with jobs requiring their full attention. If a scheduled nap is the best way to help controllers stay awake and protect the flying public, let them take a snooze.