Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests are conducted on the side of the road to help police officers determine whether or not a person is too intoxicated to drive a vehicle. These tests challenge a driver’s physical coordination, reaction time, alertness, and ability to follow instructions. Although there are a number of different field sobriety tests, police officers usually require drivers to perform one or more of the following three tests as taught by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Walk and Turn: the driver must take nine steps in a straight line, turn, and repeat the action in the opposite direction
- One Leg Stand Test: the driver is instructed to lift one foot off the ground and count out loud, with arms remaining on the side
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test: the driver follows a small object with his or her eyes
If the driver loses balance or cannot follow instructions, the officer will take it as a sign of intoxication. During the HGN test, if the officer observes the eyes twitching, or if the inability to follow the object, the officer will consider this as proof of consumption of alcohol, and consider this in determining if the driver is under the influence.
Why Do I Need a DUI Lawyer?
If you were arrested for DUI after taking a field sobriety test, it’s in your best interest to speak with an experienced Cook County DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. What police officers don’t want you to know is that there are many different factors that could cause someone to fail a field sobriety test, besides intoxication. Weather conditions, fatigue, nerves, allergies, a pre-existing illness or medical condition, type of shoes, natural lack of coordination, age, weight, etc. can all affect a driver’s ability to pass a field sobriety test. Furthermore, not only are these tests inaccurate and scientifically unreliable, but they are also highly subjective. Whether a driver passes or fails is left entirely up to the officer’s discretion.