Field Sobriety Tests
When you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving, the officer may decide to administer to you one or more standardized field sobriety tests. These are examinations that can be performed on the side of the road and that test a driver’s physical and cognitive capabilities. They serve to indicate the subject’s sobriety level. There are three governmental-developed, standardized field sobriety tests, as well as several other common tests that officers like to use.
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sponsored a series of research studies, beginning in the 1970s, to determine the effectiveness of certain field sobriety tests. In the end, three tests proved to be the most effective:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, during which the officer tests the involuntary eye jerking of the subject
- Walk-and-Turn, during which the officer tests the physical coordination and comprehension abilities of the subject
- One-Leg Stand, during which the officer tests the balance and cognitive abilities of the subject
During two validation studies conducted in 1991 and 1998, officers administering a combination of all three standardized field sobriety tests made correct decisions about the driver’s sobriety level 81% and 91% of the time, respectively.
Non-Standard Field Sobriety Tests
There are a series of non-standard field sobriety tests that police officers often use on suspected drunk drivers, as well. Commonly, the finger-to-nose test is used. This examination indicates any abnormal lack of coordination, balance, or body control. Another frequently used test is the Romberg balance test, which also seeks to show any abnormal lack of coordination or balance in the subject.
Contact Us
If you have been arrested and charged with DUI, then Rhode Island DUI defense lawyer James Powderly can help. Contact him today at 401-662-9006 to learn more about your legal rights and options.
