What is one of the Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) used by police?

The Walk-and-Turn test is one of the Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) used by police to assess a driver's level of impairment, particularly from alcohol. This test requires the person to take a series of steps in a straight line, turning on one foot and returning in the same manner, which evaluates their balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions.

Conducting this test allows the officer to observe the subject’s physical control and attentiveness. If a person is under the influence of alcohol, they may struggle to maintain balance, exhibit poor coordination, or have difficulty following the instructions given by the officer. The Walk-and-Turn test is standardized for use across various jurisdictions, making it a reliable indicator of impairment.

Other tests mentioned, while possibly related to assessing sobriety, are not classified as standard field sobriety tests. For instance, the Vertical Gaze Nystagmus assesses eye movement to spot signs of intoxication but is not commonly evaluated alongside the Walk-and-Turn or similar field tests in the same operational context. The Breathalyzer Test is a chemical test measuring blood alcohol content, which occurs after field tests have indicated possible impairment. Reaction Speed Tests do not specifically fall under the standard field sobriety tests and are