The head of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is using National Sleep Awareness Week as an opportunity to remind the transportation industry of the importance of adequate sleep.

NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman said fatigue is a serious safety issue across all modes of transportation.

“In our investigations, we’ve seen truck drivers driving through the night during circadian lows, mariners navigating treacherous channels during pre-dawn hours and air traffic controllers working rotating shifts with short turnarounds,” said NTSB Chairman Hersman.

NTSB has studied operator fatigue and issued recommendations calling for improved scheduling regulations and practices, education for operators and employers concerning fatigue and sleep disorders, and research to better understand the risks associated with fatigue in transportation.

“There are too many transportation accidents where the lack of sleep and fatigue have either caused the accident or been a contributory factor,” Hersman added. “Sleep Awareness Week reminds us all of the vital importance of restorative rest.”

Sleep Awareness Week continues through March 10.