People who are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving may be asked to take a field sobriety test in an effort to determine if they’re impaired. There are many types of tests that police officers can perform on the individual, but most of them aren’t admissible in court.
The standardized field sobriety test (SFST) is a battery of three tests that’s considered reliable enough to be admissible in court. It’s endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
1. Horizontal gaze nystagmus
The horizontal gaze nystagmus tests the way a person’s eye jerks when they’re following an object side to side. The jerking motion is known as the nystagmus and it will become more noticeable when a person is impaired. That jerking is more distinct when the person isn’t looking straight.
2. One-legged stand
The one-legged stand requires a person to stand on one foot for 30 seconds. The other foot is lifted off the ground, but the person can’t put it down, hop or use their arms to balance.
3. Walk and turn
The walk and turn involves the person having to walk heel-to-toe for nine steps. The individual turns around and returns to the starting point by walking heel-to-toe again. The person is responsible for walking in the instructed manner and counting their steps, which divides their attention.
Anyone who’s arrested for drunk driving should ensure they understand their options for a defense strategy. This can be challenging because there are many factors to consider. It may behoove these individuals to work with someone who can assist them with evaluating their options and determining the direction of their defense.
