This week, the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved the nomination of Mark R. Rosekind, PhD, to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Dr. Rosekind was nominated by President Obama on November 19 to head the agency which is responsible for setting standards for motor vehicle and highway safety. The full Senate will now consider Dr. Rosekind’s nomination.
As one of the world’s leading human fatigue experts, Dr. Rosekind has been a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) since 2010. In this role he has brought greater attention to the prevalent public safety threats posed by fatigue, circadian misalignment and untreated sleep disorders. Dr. Rosekind’s expertise and proven leadership will enable him to help the NHTSA fulfill its mission to save lives, prevent injuries and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes through education, research, safety standards and enforcement activity.
Incoming Commerce Chairman John Thune (R-SD) said that he hopes Dr. Rosekind is confirmed before lawmakers adjourn. In the meantime, the AASM asks that our members please continue to contact their U.S. Senators and request that they support Dr. Rosekind’s confirmation.
