Nothing read from this blog should be considered sound legal advice. Please speak with a lawyer.
Field sobriety tests are administered by police officers to determine if a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs. These tests are used as a preliminary assessment of a driver’s physical and cognitive abilities to safely operate a vehicle. Here are some reasons why police give field sobriety tests:
- Assess Impairment: The primary purpose is to assess whether a driver is impaired. This can be due to alcohol, drugs, or other substances that affect their ability to drive safely.
- Gather Evidence: Results from field sobriety tests can provide evidence of impairment, which can be used in court if the driver is charged with driving under the influence (DUI).
- Safety: Ensuring that impaired drivers are identified and removed from the road helps enhance public safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Probable Cause: Successful completion or failure of field sobriety tests can provide probable cause for arrest and further testing, such as a breathalyzer or blood test.
- Legal Requirements: In some jurisdictions, conducting field sobriety tests is a standard procedure following a traffic stop if impairment is suspected.
Common field sobriety tests include:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): Observing the eyes for involuntary jerking.
- Walk-and-Turn (WAT): Asking the driver to walk heel-to-toe along a straight line, turn, and walk back.
- One-Leg Stand (OLS): Asking the driver to stand on one leg and count aloud.
These tests help officers make informed decisions on whether to arrest a driver for a suspected DUI.
Conclusion
Field sobriety tests play a vital role in law enforcement’s efforts to maintain road safety. By assessing impairment, ensuring public safety, gathering evidence, establishing probable cause, complying with legal requirements, and promoting responsible driving, these tests help keep our roads safe.
Understanding the importance of field sobriety tests highlights the proactive measures taken by police officers to protect the community. These tests are an essential part of the broader effort to reduce impaired driving incidents and enhance public safety.
