Public Safety Committee Member

Committee Member
Service as a committee member is a one-year appointment with potential for reappointment for up to two additional terms. Service requires participation on monthly conference calls and collaborative involvement on projects that meet the committee mandate. 

Mandate: The Public Safety Committee identifies safety risks related to sleep, fatigue and circadian misalignment and develops strategies to advocate for and promote improved regulatory oversight, awareness, alertness, and overall safety.

Current Goals for 2021/2022:

1. Monitor regulatory agencies’ actions, state and federal legislation, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations, new research publications, and news reports for safety updates related to sleep and fatigue.
2. Draft responses from the AASM when federal agencies or other organizations issue safety notices requesting public comments on issues related to sleep and fatigue.
3. Help shape public opinion on safety issues related to sleep and fatigue by drafting letters, letters to the editor, editorials, commentaries and/or position statements.
4. Support AASM advocacy initiatives by engaging in outreach efforts and developing resources to educate members about safety topics such as drowsy driving, school start times, burnout, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and fatigue in the transportation industry.
5. Develop and implement strategies and partner with relevant stakeholders to improve drowsy driving education through state departments of motor vehicles (e.g., “rules of the road” handbooks and driver exams) and driver’s education programs.
6. Represent the AASM at relevant conferences and events related to sleep, fatigue, and public safety.