Roadside testing for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) occurs frequently in many areas. However, many people question the reliability of these tests. Although they aim to help law enforcement assess impairment, several factors impact their accuracy.
How reliable are roadside tests?
Law enforcement uses roadside DWI tests, including field sobriety tests (FSTs) and preliminary breath tests (PBTs), to assess impairment. These tests, however, aren’t foolproof. Various factors can influence the results. For instance, fatigue, anxiety, or medical issues can affect a person’s performance during field sobriety tests. Breath test accuracy can also decrease due to factors such as temperature or the individual’s oral hygiene.
What are field sobriety tests?
Law enforcement conducts field sobriety tests that involve tasks like walking in a straight line or standing on one leg. These tests assess a person’s balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions. While these tests can suggest impairment, they do not guarantee accuracy. Many people struggle with these tasks even while sober, especially in high-stress situations.
How do preliminary breath tests work?
Preliminary breath tests measure a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) using a handheld device. These tests help determine impairment but often lack reliability. Several factors, like the device’s calibration, can influence the results. The test’s accuracy can also decrease if an officer administers the test too soon after a person consumes alcohol.
Factors that can impact accuracy
Several factors can influence the accuracy of roadside DWI tests. Officer training, environmental conditions, and certain medical issues, like neurological disorders or inner ear problems, can make it hard to get accurate results.
Roadside DWI tests can assess impairment, but various factors can reduce their accuracy. You should understand how these tests work and recognize the factors that can influence their results.