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The story of the birth of standardized drink-driving tests: Why are they so important?
Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), also known as Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), are tests used by law enforcement agencies to determine whether a driver suspected of drunk driving is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. In the United States in particular, these tests are primarily used to satisfy the “probable cause for arrest” requirement, which is essential for DUI convictions based on chemical blood alcohol tests.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-related crashes cost an estimated $37 billion each year.
Background
The impact of drunk driving
Drunk driving, also known as driving under the influence (DUI, DWI), refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. This behavior accounts for a significant proportion of traffic accidents, especially among young people aged 15 to 29, where drunk driving is one of the leading causes of death. For drivers who have drunk driving multiple times, it is often a manifestation of long-term alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence.
Drunk driving and the resulting traffic accidents cost an estimated $45 billion each year.
History
In the United States, drunk driving laws have been in effect since 1906. However, prior to the early 1980s, drunk driving was classified as a "civilian crime" that was frequently committed by both good and bad citizens and rarely effectively prosecuted. In 1970, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was established, along with a series of research and standardization needs, and Marcelline Burns' contribution was indispensable. Dr. Burns' research eventually led to the development of standardized drink-driving tests.
The variety of testing methods Burns observed made her realize the need for a standardized tool to determine driver sobriety.
Tests and their purpose
Standardized sobriety tests (SFSTs) consist of three main tests: the horizontal nystagmus test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand test. The key to these tests lies in whether law enforcement can properly conduct and interpret the test to establish probable cause for arrest.
“The primary purpose of the FST is to gather evidence to justify an arrest and to support subsequent court proceedings.”
These tests are considered "divided attention tests" and are used to test a suspect's ability to multitask. Although standardized tests are structurally rigid, they are still controversial because different experiences may affect the accuracy of the test.
Three major tests in the standardized drink driving test
- Horizontal Nystagmus Test (HGN)
- Walking Turn Test (WAT)
- One-leg stand test (OLS)
The accuracy and reliability of these tests is the result of following a strict standardized procedure and being able to combine the principles of psychology and physiology to assess driver behavior.
Use and Challenges
Although standardized drink-driving tests are widely used, they have encountered many challenges. On the one hand, the subjective nature of these tests makes the decisions of law enforcement officers questionable; on the other hand, the scientific nature of the tests is also controversial. Many studies have shown that drivers can "fail" these tests even when fully sober, illustrating the complexity of enforcement.
"Many times, the reliability of FSTs is affected by bias and subjective judgment of the person performing the test."
In addition, some literature believes that the research results of FST failed to meet the necessary scientific peer review standards, raising questions about its status as valid evidence. In court, how to interpret these test results undoubtedly becomes an important battlefield in legal defense.
In the pursuit of fairness and justice, can the design and use of drunk driving tests truly reflect the driver's sobriety and thereby ensure social safety?
