Final answer:
It is true that individuals with sleep deprivation experience significant impairments in alertness and cognitive function which can be comparable to or worse than those at legal alcohol impairment levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, those with sleep deprivation do score worse on performance and alertness tests than those with a blood alcohol content of .01, which is legally impaired for some drivers. Evidence from research indicates that sleep debt leads to decreased mental alertness and cognitive function, mirroring or even exceeding the effects of low levels of alcohol intoxication.
Furthermore, a study found that after 27 hours of total sleep deprivation, professional drivers' performance in a driving simulation showed significant deterioration. This is comparable to or worse than the performance deterioration associated with alcohol consumption at levels that are legally considered impaired in many jurisdictions.
In summary, sleep deprivation can impair cognitive and motor functions to a similar extent, if not more, than alcohol intoxication, thereby affirming the statement to be true.