A Sobriety Test Explained
When drivers are pulled over under suspicion of drunk driving, there are several different kinds of field tests that an officer can perform on the scene to determine the driver's level of intoxication.
It may sometimes seem that these tests are ridiculous and nonsensical, however, there is a method to the madness.
Many citizens feel that they could benefit from having a sobriety test explained to them.
The nystagmus test is used to assess any involuntary trembling or jerking of the eyeball, which can be a symptom of intoxication.
An officer will hold an object, such as a pen, about 12 inches away from the suspected driver's face and then move the object from left to right while watching the person's eyes.
The walk and turn test is when a driver is asked to take nine step along a straight line in a heel-to-toe manner and then turn around and repeat the action.
This tests a person's balance, ability to follow instructions, and depth perception.
When performing a field test on a person suspected of driving under the influence, an officer will often ask the driver to stand on one leg with their heels together, arms at their side and then count aloud while lifting one leg six inches off the ground, until the officer asks them to stop.
In this case, officers are looking for ability to stand still, balance, body tremors, and muscle tension.
The finger to nose test involves the driver standing still with their feet together and eyes closed while they touch their index finger to their nose.
This is to detect muscle tension, body tremors, and balance.
During the Rhomberg Balance Test, a driver must stand at the position of attention, close their eyes, and tilt their head back.
They must then count to 30 seconds.
This demonstrates an ability to stand still, balancing ability, and muscle tension.
It also tests the subject's internal clock, which is often slowed with the use of alcohol.
These are many of the methods of a sobriety test explained.
There are several different field tests used for testing a suspected drunk driver, all of which are design to test for divided attention, a vital skill for safe driving.
Though a failure to complete these tests is often a sign of intoxication, these tests can be difficult to pass even when sober.
It may sometimes seem that these tests are ridiculous and nonsensical, however, there is a method to the madness.
Many citizens feel that they could benefit from having a sobriety test explained to them.
The nystagmus test is used to assess any involuntary trembling or jerking of the eyeball, which can be a symptom of intoxication.
An officer will hold an object, such as a pen, about 12 inches away from the suspected driver's face and then move the object from left to right while watching the person's eyes.
The walk and turn test is when a driver is asked to take nine step along a straight line in a heel-to-toe manner and then turn around and repeat the action.
This tests a person's balance, ability to follow instructions, and depth perception.
When performing a field test on a person suspected of driving under the influence, an officer will often ask the driver to stand on one leg with their heels together, arms at their side and then count aloud while lifting one leg six inches off the ground, until the officer asks them to stop.
In this case, officers are looking for ability to stand still, balance, body tremors, and muscle tension.
The finger to nose test involves the driver standing still with their feet together and eyes closed while they touch their index finger to their nose.
This is to detect muscle tension, body tremors, and balance.
During the Rhomberg Balance Test, a driver must stand at the position of attention, close their eyes, and tilt their head back.
They must then count to 30 seconds.
This demonstrates an ability to stand still, balancing ability, and muscle tension.
It also tests the subject's internal clock, which is often slowed with the use of alcohol.
These are many of the methods of a sobriety test explained.
There are several different field tests used for testing a suspected drunk driver, all of which are design to test for divided attention, a vital skill for safe driving.
Though a failure to complete these tests is often a sign of intoxication, these tests can be difficult to pass even when sober.
