Language
Country/Area
No result found
Secrets of DUI Field Testing: Why Do Police Use These Standardized Tests?
In the United States, the problem of drunk driving has always been a serious social problem, causing major accidents and casualties. To combat this behavior, police officers use a series of standardized field tests (FSTs) to determine whether the suspect is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs when they suspect a driver is driving under the influence. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the background, purpose, and scientific basis of these tests.
Background
Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI or DWI) is defined as a driver driving a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which undoubtedly increases the risk of traffic accidents. According to statistics, alcohol-related traffic accidents cause approximately $37 billion in losses in the United States each year.
Drinking and driving is not only a legal issue, it is also a public health issue. Governments and non-profit groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are actively promoting campaigns to raise awareness of the issue.
Development of Standardized Field Tests
To create an effective field test, NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) worked with psychology researcher Marcelline Burns to develop the concept of a standardized field test. After several years of research and experimentation, three main tests were eventually identified: the horizontal gaze test (HGN), the walking turn test (WAT), and the one-leg stand test (OLS). The purpose of these tests is to determine the driver's alcohol concentration and whether there is enough evidence to support an arrest.
Purpose and Use of Tests
The primary purpose of a standardized field test is to establish probable cause for an arrest. Under U.S. law, police can perform these tests when they have reasonable grounds to suspect someone is driving under the influence. During these tests, police observe how well drivers perform when following simple instructions, including balance, coordination, and the ability to follow commands.
These tests not only provide a basis for an arrest, but can also be used as secondary evidence in court to support the charges against the suspect.
Details of the three standardized tests
Horizontal Gaze Test (HGN)
The HGN test focuses on assessing the driver's eye movements. Police ask drivers to look at an object and watch their eye movements for four main signs.
Walking Turning Test (WAT)
During the WAT test, drivers walk nine steps in a straight line and then walk back. This test focuses on the driver's balance and ability to follow instructions.
One-leg stand test (OLS)
The OLS test requires drivers to stand on one leg for 30 seconds while police observe their balance and coordination.
Testing limitations and controversies
While these field tests are widely used, their subjectivity and accuracy are often questioned. Many have pointed out that the tests could be influenced by officers’ personal biases. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions or older age may perform poorly on these tests without being impaired by alcohol.
Studies have shown that eyewitnesses' assessments of a subject's performance are not very reliable and can lead to misjudgments.
Conclusion
While standardized field tests play an important role in the justice system, their subjectivity and limitations remain a source of ongoing discussion. As the science of testing advances, it may be possible to find ways to improve these tests in the future to reduce the risk of misjudgment and improve fairness. How do you think we balance law enforcement and civil rights in today's society?
