Field sobriety tests are entirely optional, but many individuals who are sober still opt to take them just to prove that they haven’t been drinking. Unfortunately, this is not always a good idea because it is possible to fail field sobriety tests without any alcohol in your system whatsoever.
If you are facing DWI charges in New York after failing FSTs during a routine traffic stop, turn to Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law. Mr. DeUrso is a White Plains DWI lawyer who knows how to find success in court.
Call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about criminal defense strategies.
Here are five reasons why you might fail a field sobriety test even if you haven’t been drinking:
- Tiredness
In some scenarios, driving while drowsy is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Drowsiness can cause individuals to fail field sobriety tests because it results in poor coordination, reduced motor skills and an inability to focus. If you are driving while tired, stop for coffee or pull into a safe place and nap until you feel alert enough to drive again.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowsy driving was responsible for 72,000 collisions in 2013, and the National Sleep Foundation reports that adults between the ages 18 and 29 are the most likely group to drive while drowsy.
- Physical Handicaps
If you have any physical handicaps, disabilities or injuries, you may not be able to perform field sobriety tests as well as someone who does not. Even something as simple as knee or back pain can make it difficult to pass a sobriety test.
- Inner Ear Problems
There is a small organ in the inner ear that is necessary for proper balance and coordination. If you suffer from inner ear problems, you may not be able to balance as expected during field sobriety tests.
In addition, it is common for police to test motorists immediately following a collision. Even if you do not have any known inner ear problems, you could damage your ears in the accident, and you will likely be disoriented right after a crash.
- Nervousness
Many people get nervous when police pull them over, which makes it hard to focus. You may also become jittery, which makes it challenging to pass field sobriety tests that require coordination or concentration.
- Biases and Interpretation
Unlike breath tests, there is no quantifiable way to determine if an individual passes or fails a field sobriety test. Instead, it is up to the officer’s interpretation of your coordination, movements and ability to focus on the tasks at hand.
Police officers have biases like everyone else, and sometimes they make up their minds that a motorist is inebriated even before administering the tests. If you think you have been unfairly charged with DWI, or if you would like to discuss defense strategies that apply to your case, contact Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law.
Mr. DeUrso is a White Plains DWI lawyer who will aggressively represent your interests. Call 914-772-8614 today to schedule a consultation.