The History And Accuracy Of the Walk And Turn Sobriety Test
Field sobriety tests are a common tool used by law enforcement officers to determine if a driver is impaired. Among these, the Walk and Turn (WAT) test is one of the most frequently administered and can be part of the evidence gathered to support an arrest. If you find yourself in this situation, consulting with a Houston DWI lawyer can make a substantial difference in protecting your rights and securing a fair resolution.
The Development and Accuracy of Sobriety Tests
The Walk and Turn test is part of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) developed in the 1970s by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These tests were created to provide law enforcement officers with a reliable method to detect impairment in drivers.
In Texas, the use of the WAT test began in the early 1980s, following the adoption of the NHTSA guidelines. Since then, it has been a staple in roadside sobriety checks, helping officers assess whether a driver might be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The WAT test requires a driver to take nine heel-to-toe steps along a straight line, turn on one foot, and return in the same manner. The officer observes the driver’s ability to follow instructions and maintain balance, looking for specific clues such as stepping off the line, using arms for balance, or starting before instructions are finished.
According to NHTSA studies, the WAT test has an accuracy rate of about 68% in identifying drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. While this indicates a significant level of reliability, it also shows that the test is not foolproof. Various factors, such as medical conditions, nervousness, or uneven surfaces, can affect a person’s performance.
Beyond the standardized components of field sobriety testing, officers sometimes ask drivers to perform other tasks, such as reciting the alphabet backwards or forwards. These additional tests are not part of the standardized SFSTs and are less reliable in determining impairment. Despite their occasional use, these tasks are not widely recognized or endorsed by NHTSA for field sobriety testing.
Defense Options After an Arrest
If you have been arrested due to poor performance on field sobriety tests, seek legal assistance from an experienced lawyer to pursue possible defense strategies, including the following.
- Challenging test accuracy. A skilled Houston DWI lawyer can question the accuracy of the field sobriety tests administered, examining whether external factors could have influenced the results.
- Evaluating officer conduct. Scrutinizing the actions of the arresting officer, ensuring that they followed proper protocols and did not violate your rights during the traffic stop and testing, may be an option as well.
- Gathering evidence. Legal professionals can collect and analyze evidence, such as dashcam footage, to provide a comprehensive view of the incident. This can be critical in building a strong defense.
Are you experiencing the legal implications of failing a field sobriety test? The attorneys at Ayson Law Firm are dedicated to providing the robust defense you need. Schedule a confidential consultation to learn how we can assist you. Contact us today.
