This scenario happens all of the time. You’re driving home after dinner, and you see flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror. The officer might ask a few questions, and then ask you to step out of the vehicle and perform a few field sobriety tests.
When requested to perform field sobriety tests in Tennessee, your first thought might be, “Are they actually accurate?”
Here is what you need to know about these situations.
What Are Field Sobriety Tests?
Field sobriety tests are a series of physical and mental exercises. Law enforcement officers will use them during DUI investigations. Their help officers look for signs that a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle may be impaired.
There are three standardized field sobriety tests recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They include:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): The officer watches your eyes as you follow a moving object. They look for involuntary jerking that may be associated with alcohol impairment.
- Walk-and-Turn: You will be asked to take several heel-to-toe steps along a straight line, turn, and walk back while following specific instructions.
- One-Leg Stand: You will be asked to stand on one foot for a period of time while counting aloud.
Officers are trained to look for clues during each test that may suggest impairment.
Are These Tests Accurate?
While standardized field sobriety tests are used around the state, they are not perfect. Keep in mind that under ideal conditions, they do not guarantee that someone is impaired. There are a few factors that can influence a person’s performance, including:
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Fatigue
- Age
- Balance problems
- Inner ear conditions
- Previous injuries
- Certain medical conditions
- Uneven pavement
- Poor weather
- Inadequate lighting
- Improper footwear
Even someone who has not consumed alcohol may have difficulty performing these tests.
Officer Training Is Also Important
The reliability of field sobriety tests also depends on how they are administered.
These standardized tests were developed using specific instructions and scoring criteria. If an officer does not administer the tests correctly or deviates from standardized procedures, the reliability of the results may be affected.
With help from an experienced DUI defense attorney, they can review body camera footage, dash camera video, and police reports to see whether the tests were properly conducted.
Are You Required to Perform These Tests?
Many drivers assume they have no choice. But, field sobriety tests are voluntary in Tennessee, unlike a chemical test.
That does not necessarily mean refusing them is always the best decision. Refusing may have consequences during a DUI investigation. Many times, law enforcement may still rely on other observations or evidence when deciding whether to make an arrest.
Can You Challenge Field Sobriety Test Results
Once again, not every field sobriety test is administered correctly. Remember, not every poor performance is caused by alcohol or drugs.
In some cases, a defense lawyer can challenge a few elements of the test. This can include:
- Whether the officer followed standardized testing procedures
- The conditions under which the tests were performed
- Whether medical or physical conditions affected the driver’s performance
- The officer’s interpretation of the results
- Whether body camera footage supports the officer’s observations
With a review of the evidence, that can reveal inconsistencies that may be important to a driver’s defense.
What You Need to Know About Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests in Tennessee can be an important part of a DUI investigation. However, they do not indicate scientific certainty. They rely on human observation, standardized procedures, and conditions that are never ideal.
Since many factors unrelated to alcohol can affect a person’s performance, these field sobriety tests should never be viewed in isolation. They are one part of the evidence in a DUI case.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Tennessee and field sobriety tests played a role in your case, you want to speak with an experienced Tennessee DUI defense attorney. At Erik Herbert Law, we can help you with the right options for your case. Schedule a consultation today.
