Which statement about staying alert to drive is true?

The statement that sleep is the only thing that can overcome fatigue highlights the critical importance of rest for maintaining alertness and overall cognitive function while driving. While various methods, such as caffeine or short breaks, can temporarily boost alertness, they do not replace the restorative effects of sleep.

Sleep is essential for the body to recover, process information, and maintain the necessary level of alertness for safe driving. Prolonged fatigue, often due to lack of sufficient sleep, can severely impair a driver's reaction time, decision-making abilities, and overall performance on the road. Therefore, prioritizing adequate sleep is crucial, particularly for those whose driving may involve long hours or overnight shifts where fatigue can pose a significant safety risk.

Other methods like caffeine can provide a temporary spike in energy, but their effects are not as sustainable as getting enough sleep, and they do not address the underlying causes of fatigue. Regular short breaks can contribute to maintaining alertness during long drives but are an aid rather than a solution to fatigue, which fundamentally requires sufficient sleep for recovery. Thus, the understanding that sleep is the only true remedy for overcoming fatigue is essential for safe driving practices.