Are Field Sobriety Tests Always Accurate?

 Posted on May 16, 2023 in Criminal Defense

When a driver is pulled over by police on suspicion of driving under the influence, there are certain steps the officer will take in order to make that determination. One of the tools that law enforcement will use is requesting that the driver submit to field sobriety tests. This is especially true if there is no odor of alcohol, open container, or any other obvious signs that the driver had been drinking. If the driver submits to these tests and fails (in the officer’s opinion), the officer now has grounds to demand the driver submit to a breathalyzer test.

The following is a brief overview of those tests. If you have been charged with drunk driving, make sure you contact a DWI defense attorney right away.

Walk and Turn

For the walk and turn test, the driver is asked to take nine steps, heel to toe, in a straight line, with their arms to the side, then turn around and take nine steps back. The officer will look for specific clues that suggest the driver is impaired, such as stumbling, swaying, or losing balance.

One-Leg Stand

During the one-leg stand test, the driver is asked to stand on one foot and count aloud for a certain period of time. The officer will look for signs of impairment, such as swaying, hopping, or putting their foot down.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

The horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test is another field sobriety test that is frequently used by law enforcement officials. This test involves asking the driver to follow a pen or other object with their eyes while the officer looks for signs of involuntary eye movements. These movements can be a sign of alcohol or drug impairment.

Issues with Field Sobriety Tests

It is important to note that field sobriety tests are not always accurate indicators of whether a driver is impaired. Some people may struggle with balance or coordination even when they are sober. Environmental factors like weather or uneven terrain can also affect a driver's performance on these tests. Additionally, some medical conditions or medications can cause a person to fail a field sobriety test even if they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Contact a Texas DWI Lawyer

If you are charged with drunk driving, contact a Parker County DWI defense attorney for legal assistance. Call Soraya Joslin, P.C. at 817-599-7005 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/sfst_ig_refresher_manual.pdf