In Georgia, an officer might pull you over if they suspect you are driving under the influence. If this happens, they may ask you to take part in a series of tests. These voluntary tests typically help officers gather evidence of impairment to justify a DUI arrest.
However, various factors may affect your performance. Understanding these influences and documenting them may help you protect yourself from a wrongful DUI charge.
Road and weather conditions
The surface where you perform any of the three tests can significantly impact your results. Uneven pavement, gravel, grass or sloped roadways generally make it harder to maintain balance.
Poor weather conditions may add another layer of difficulty. Rain, ice or strong winds could affect your stability regardless of sobriety. Dim lighting at night may also make it challenging to see or follow the imaginary line you are supposed to walk along.
Physical and medical factors
Your physical condition and the clothes you wear may influence your performance. High heels, boots or uncomfortable shoes generally make balancing exercises more difficult. Injuries, joint problems, inner ear issues or neurological conditions could also potentially affect your coordination and balance.
Traffic and environmental distractions
Standing on the side of a busy Georgia highway while vehicles speed by can be stressful and distracting. Traffic noise, passing cars and flashing police lights might affect your concentration and make it harder to perform tests accurately. If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed by the situation, you might shake or struggle to follow instructions clearly.
The importance of documenting external conditions
If any external conditions affect your performance in a field sobriety test, it may help to take note of them. You generally have a legal right to record police interactions or take photographs of roadside conditions in Georgia as long as you do not physically obstruct the officer’s movements or duties.
If you have any injuries or conditions, it may help to acquire medical records. This may provide you with evidence in case you need to defend yourself in court.
Understanding the limitations of field sobriety tests
Field sobriety tests are not entirely foolproof. Explaining, with evidence, how external factors affected your performance during these exercises may affect the outcome of a potential DUI charge.