WASHINGTON (AP) - Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says that while the government won't pay air traffic controllers to take naps while on duty, federal officials are open to other options to ensure aviation safety.
LaHood tells CBS's "The Early Show" that federal officials "take very seriously" their obligation to solve the problem of sleeping controllers.
He also says "controllers have to make sure that they get the right rest and they come to work rested." LaHood announced earlier that the FAA was adding an hour to the minimum amount of time controllers must be off between shifts.
He said that under the new plan, when controllers report for work, "hopefully they're rested." LaHood also said officials will tour airport towers this week to discuss the problems of sleeping on the job with controllers.