Field sobriety tests are roadside evaluations that law enforcement officials use to measure balance, coordination and attention. While they can be effective tools, they are not foolproof. Many factors beyond alcohol or drug use can influence how well someone performs during these tests.
Health conditions that affect balance, movement or vision may cause a sober individual to appear impaired. Learning about these potential complications is important for drivers interacting with law enforcement at traffic stops.
Inner ear disorders
The inner ear is invaluable for keeping an individual balanced and spatially oriented. Conditions such as Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis or chronic ear infections can lead to dizziness, vertigo and unsteadiness. When an officer asks a person to stand on one leg or walk heel-to-toe, someone with an inner ear disorder may sway, stumble or even fall despite being completely sober. Law enforcement officials can misread these symptoms as signs of alcohol impairment, creating a serious misunderstanding during a roadside stop.
Neurological conditions
Neurological disorders can directly affect muscle coordination, reflexes and eye movement. For instance, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and certain types of migraines can cause tremors, slowed movements or difficulty focusing visually. Even mild neuropathy or past head injuries may interfere with the ability to perform tasks that require precision and quick responses. Because these conditions are often invisible, an officer might not realize that a person’s unsteady performance stems from a neurological issue rather than intoxication.
Field sobriety tests are intended to protect public safety but are not perfect indicators of intoxication. Certain health problems can each create false signs of impairment, placing sober drivers at risk of wrongful arrest. Drivers in this predicament should enlist hands-on legal support to help clarify the situation.