Drivers in Ohio who are arrested for drunk driving offenses are generally asked by law enforcement officers to complete a series of tests and actions prior to being officially placed under arrest. These are commonly called field sobriety tests because they take place in the field, at the location of the initial traffic stop. It is important that you understand what officers are looking for with each test and also know what these tests can or cannot do.
One of the tests is called the walk and turn test. As explained by FieldSobrietyTests.org, this test has an accuracy rate of only 66 percent. Before being told to do anything, an officer should first give you detailed verbal instructions and even demonstrate what you will be asked to do.
Once the test begins, you will need to take steps in a heel-to-toe fashion while maintaining a straight line and not using your hands or anything else to help you balance. When told, you must stop, turn around and return in the same fashion to where you began. People who are overweight, who are elderly or who have problems with their hips, knees, feet or backs may have problems balancing that having nothing to do with alcohol consumption at all.
If you would like to learn more about the walk and turn test or any other field sobriety test and its importance in a drunk driving case, please feel free to visit the impaired driving offenses page of our Ohio DUI criminal defense website.
