When it comes to DUI arrests in the United States, especially in places like State College, Pennsylvania, field sobriety tests (FSTs) play a critical role. If you’re driving through this bustling university town and are pulled over for suspicion of DUI, chances are, you’ll be asked to perform one or more of these tests.
Understanding how these tests work and how accurate they are is crucial for anyone who wants to know what their rights are in such situations. If you are facing a DUI charge in State College, you need to speak with a DUI attorney. You can find one by Googling “State College DUI attorney near me.”
What Are Field Sobriety Tests?
There are a few key field sobriety tests used by law enforcement to assess a driver’s physical and mental state during a DUI stop. The most common tests, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), are the horizontal gaze nystagmus test (HGN), the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand test.
These tests are standardized to ensure consistency and objectivity in their administration, meaning that all drivers across the country should be subjected to the same procedures and scoring.
However, it’s important to note that while these tests are widely used, they are not infallible indicators of impairment. According to research, these tests are accurate only 65-77% of the time in detecting impairment, meaning there’s a significant margin of error.
In other words, around 1 in 4 sober drivers could fail these tests, even if they are completely sober.
Factors That Can Impact the Accuracy of FSTs
While these tests may seem straightforward, there are several factors that can cause them to produce inaccurate results. Here are some of the most common ones:
Environmental conditions
The location where the test is conducted plays a huge role. If the road is uneven, slippery, or poorly lit, it can make it much harder for someone to balance.
Inclement weather, like rain or strong winds, can also impact the results, making even a sober person appear unsteady.
Physical conditions
Various health issues can affect a person’s ability to perform well on field sobriety tests. Conditions like inner ear problems, joint pain, or even being overweight can hinder balance, coordination, and overall performance.
A person with a medical condition affecting their eyes or their muscles might fail an FST even if they are not intoxicated.
Mental and emotional factors
Stress, anxiety, and nervousness can significantly affect how a person performs on these tests. In fact, a person who is anxious may have difficulty following instructions or concentrating, which could cause them to perform poorly on these tests.
Footwear
Believe it or not, your shoes can make a big difference in how well you perform on the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand tests. Wearing high heels, sandals, or even shoes with slippery soles can throw off your balance and lead to a poor performance, even if you’re not impaired.
Can You Contest Your FST Results?
If you’ve been charged with DUI and field sobriety tests were part of the evidence, don’t assume the case is over. An experienced DUI attorney can help you challenge the results.
They can scrutinize how the tests were administered, ensure that the officer followed proper protocols, and argue that environmental or personal factors played a role in your poor performance.
Also, expert testimony can often be used to dispute the reliability of the tests and highlight any conditions that may have caused your failure.