History of Field Sobriety Tests

Introduction

The history of field sobriety tests dates back several decades, and the tests themselves have undergone numerous changes and adaptations over the years. A field sobriety test is a set of standardized tests used by law enforcement officers to determine whether a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs. The tests are usually administered during a traffic stop, and they are designed to evaluate a driver’s physical and cognitive abilities. In this article, we will explore the history of field sobriety tests, including the development of different types of tests and their evolution over time.

Early History of Field Sobriety Tests

The first documented use of a field sobriety test dates back to the early 20th century, when police officers in Europe and the United States began using basic physical tests to assess whether a driver was impaired. These tests included having the driver walk in a straight line, touch their nose with their finger, or stand on one leg. However, these tests were not standardized and were often subjective, making them unreliable.

In 1938, Dr. Rolla Harger, a professor of biochemistry, developed the first scientific method of detecting alcohol in a person’s breath. He created the Drunkometer, which measured the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath by analyzing the chemical reaction between alcohol and a potassium dichromate solution. This was the first reliable method of measuring a person’s level of intoxication, and it paved the way for the development of more advanced field sobriety tests.

In the 1940s and 1950s, police departments across the United States began using more advanced field sobriety tests, such as the Romberg balance test, which required a driver to stand with their feet together and their eyes closed for a set amount of time. If the driver swayed or lost their balance, it was considered evidence of impairment. However, like earlier tests, these were also subjective and lacked standardization.

Standardization of Field Sobriety Tests

In the 1970s, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognized the need for a standardized method of testing a driver’s impairment. The NHTSA conducted extensive research and developed a battery of three tests that were standardized and could be administered easily by law enforcement officers.

The first test in the battery was the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, which measures involuntary jerking of the eyes as they move from side to side. This test is based on the fact that alcohol impairs the ability of the brain to control eye movement, leading to jerking or bouncing of the eyes.

The second test was the walk-and-turn test, which requires a driver to take nine steps forward, heel to toe, turn on one foot, and take nine steps back. This test is designed to assess a driver’s balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions.

The third test was the one-leg stand test, which requires a driver to stand on one foot while counting aloud for 30 seconds. This test is designed to assess a driver’s balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions.

The NHTSA validated these three tests and published guidelines for their administration in the 1980s. Since then, the three tests have become the standard field sobriety tests used by law enforcement officers across the United States.

Evolution of Field Sobriety Tests

Over the years, the NHTSA has continued to refine and update the standardized field sobriety tests. In 1995, the NHTSA published updated guidelines for the administration of the tests, which included new instructions and procedures for administering the tests.

In 2000, the NHTSA added two new tests to the battery: the finger-to-nose test and the Rhomberg balance test.

The finger-to-nose test involves the driver touching their nose with their finger while keeping their eyes closed, and then repeating the same action with their other hand. This test assesses a driver’s ability to control their movements and their coordination. The Rhomberg balance test involves the driver standing with their feet together and their eyes closed, while tilting their head back and estimating the passage of 30 seconds. This test assesses a driver’s balance and ability to estimate time accurately.

In 2013, the NHTSA published another set of updated guidelines for the administration of the field sobriety tests, which included new recommendations for training law enforcement officers and for conducting the tests under different conditions, such as on uneven or slippery surfaces.

Types of Field Sobriety Tests

In addition to the standardized field sobriety tests developed by the NHTSA, there are also other types of tests that law enforcement officers may use to assess a driver’s impairment. These tests include:

The alphabet test – The driver is asked to recite the alphabet from A to Z without singing or skipping any letters.
The finger count test – The driver is asked to touch their thumb to each finger while counting out loud.
The counting test – The driver is asked to count from one number to another, such as counting from 1 to 20.
The modified position of attention test – The driver is asked to stand with their feet together, hands at their sides, and eyes closed, while tilting their head back and estimating the passage of 30 seconds.
The finger dexterity test – The driver is asked to manipulate small objects, such as coins or a pen, with their fingers.

The reliability and accuracy of these tests vary, and they are not standardized like the NHTSA’s tests. However, they may still be used by law enforcement officers in certain situations.

Controversies Surrounding Field Sobriety Tests

Despite their widespread use, field sobriety tests are not without controversy. Some critics argue that the tests are subjective and can be influenced by factors such as the officer’s training, the driver’s physical condition, or the conditions in which the tests are administered. In addition, some studies have suggested that the tests may not be accurate in detecting impairment from drugs other than alcohol.

Another controversy surrounding field sobriety tests is the question of whether drivers have the right to refuse to take the tests. In many states, drivers are required to submit to a breathalyzer test if requested by a law enforcement officer. However, the rules surrounding field sobriety tests are less clear, and some drivers have argued that they should not be required to take the tests if they believe they may incriminate themselves.

Conclusion

The history of field sobriety tests spans several decades, and the tests themselves have evolved and changed over time. From basic physical tests in the early 20th century to the standardized tests developed by the NHTSA in the 1970s, field sobriety tests have become an integral part of law enforcement’s efforts to combat drunk and drugged driving. While there have been controversies surrounding the reliability and accuracy of the tests, they remain a crucial tool for law enforcement officers to assess a driver’s impairment and to keep the roads safe for everyone.