One of the three field sobriety tests is called the walk-and-turn test. This test on its own is only said to be 66-percent accurate. Many factors may prevent you from successfully passing the test even if you are not under the influence of alcohol. These may include physical conditions, what shoes you are wearing and even your nerves as you may well be extremely anxious and nervous because you know you are being investigated.
During the test, you are expected to keep your hands at your sides and walk heel-to-toe for nine steps while counting. You must then pivot and take another nine steps back to your starting location. Any failure to balance properly, count or keep your hands at your sides may hurt your chances of passing this test. In addition to balance, this test evaluates your ability to execute multiple instructions simultaneously all while under extremely stressful conditions.
If you would like to learn more about field sobriety tests, breath tests and other things related to a drunk driving arrest, please visit the impaired driving charge page of our Rhode Island criminal defense website.