What You Need To Know About Field Sobriety Tests

The field sobriety test is usually used by the police on drivers who are doubted of driving under the influence of alcohol and during the routine checks in a location where there are many cases of drunken driving with wounds. For police officers who try their best to serve the citizens of the state by ensuring that they are safe, this is very useful for local car driver and this can offer travelers the safety they require against drunk driving states. As the total number of car accidents and even deaths continue to increase, it is good for offers to look out for people driving under the influence.

A field sobriety test generally includes mental and physical examination that assists in knowing the level of intoxication of a driver who is drunk. The test normally involves a number of questions and actions to establish coherence, body coordination and balance of an individual if he is qualified to drive. All this is usually done in order to avoid the probability of drunken driving injuries. In addition, these tests are usually done by police officers constantly in most states in order to keep an eye on people who drive while they are drunk.

There are different categories of field sobriety tests. One example is one leg stand test. This is where an individual is told to stand on one leg at least for 30 seconds as they count loudly. The other feet must be 6 inches off the ground. If you try to support yourself by balancing the arms, you will end up failing the test. In addition, putting your foot down will indicate that you have failed the test.

Secondly, there is walk-and turn test. In this test, an individual is required to take at least 9 heels to toe steps on a straight line. After you have finished the 9 steps, you are required to take other 9 steps in order to get back from where you started. If you are unable to touch heel to the toe, use your arms in maintaining balance or you take less or more steps contrary to what the police officer has initiated, it will be concluded that you have been all along been driving under the influence of alcohol.

Lastly, there is horizontal gaze nystagmus test also abbreviated as HGN. Even though this test does not test your balance, it normally looks for some signs of inebriation. A police general will take an item such as a pen then instruct you to follow it using your eyes without moving the head. The object will be held one feet from your face and then move it backwards and forth. What is usually looked at in this test is trembling or jerky eyes which is a sign that you have been drinking.

On top of the above test, there are other tests that an individual will be told to carry out like reciting the alphabet. Even though the reliability and validity of field sobriety tests is doubtful, drivers have to be well versed that most officers use them in determining of an individual has alcohol in his or her blood.

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