Impaired drivers – how do troopers test for suspected impairment?
When a trooper observes a suspected impaired driver, s/he will stop the car for observed traffic offenses and make personal contact with the driver. If the officer detects possible impairment once contacting the driver, divided-attention sobriety tests will be conducted. Among these are: • the finger-to-nose touch; • the heel-toe walk; • the one-leg stand; • and the “Gaze Test” which traces involuntary eye movements. In addition, the trooper will observe how well the driver can understand and respond to questions and follow instructions. If, after conducting these tests, the officer detects impairment, an arrest is made and the suspect is taken into custody for a formal BAC test.
