October 29, 2015

DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Walk and Turn Test Clues • Cannot keep balance while listening to instructions

Session 8 - Concepts and Principles of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)
DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Walk and Turn Test Clues
Cannot keep balance while listening to
instructions
8-72
Test Interpretation
You may observe a number of different behaviors when a subject performs this test.
Original research demonstrated that the behaviors listed below are likely to be observed
in someone with a BAC at or above 0.08. Look for the following clues each time this test
is given:
Cannot keep balance while listening to the instructions. Two tasks are required at the
beginning of this test. The subject must balance heel to toe on the line, and at the same
time, listen carefully to the instructions. Typically, the person who is impaired can do
only one of these things. The subject may listen to the instructions, but not keep
balance. Record this clue if the subject does not maintain the heel to toe position
throughout the instructions. (Feet must actually break apart or step off the line.) Do not
record this clue if the subject sways or uses the arms to balance but maintains the heel
to toe position.
Notes:_______________________________________________
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HS 178 R5/13 45 of 62
Session 8 - Concepts and Principles of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)
DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Walk and Turn Test Clues (Cont.)
Starts too soon
Stops while walking
Does not touch heel to toe
8-73
Starts too soon. The impaired person may also keep balance, but not listen to the
instructions. Since you specifically instructed the subject not to start walking "until I tell
you to begin," record this clue if the subject does not wait.
Stops while walking. The subject stops while walking. Do not record this clue if the
subject is merely walking slowly.
Does not touch heel to toe. The subject leaves a space of more than one half inch
between the heel and toe on any step.
Session 8 - Concepts and Principles of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)
DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Walk and Turn Test Clues (Cont.)
Steps off line
Uses arms to balance
Improper turn
Incorrect number of steps
8-74
Steps off the line. The subject steps so that one foot is entirely off the line.
Uses arms to balance. The subject raises one or both arms more than 6 inches from the
sides in order to maintain balance.
Improper turn. The subject removes the front foot from the line while turning. Also record
this clue if the subject has not followed directions as demonstrated, i.e., spins or pivots
around or loses balance while turning.
Incorrect number of steps. Record this clue if the subject takes more or fewer than nine
steps in either direction.
Notes:_______________________________________________
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Notes:_______________________________________________
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HS 178 R5/13 46 of 62
Session 8 - Concepts and Principles of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)
DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Walk and Turn Test Clues
Summary
SFSTs are a tool to assist you in seeing
visible signs of impairment and are not a
pass/fail test
8-75
If subject can't do the test, record observed clues and document the reason for not
completing the test, e.g. subject’s safety.
Remember that the SFSTs are a tool to assist you in seeing visible signs of impairment
and are not a pass/fail test.
Subject gets into a "leg lock" position (legs crossed, unable to move.)
If the subject has difficulty with the test (for example, steps off the line), Continue from
that point, not from the beginning. This test may lose its sensitivity if it is repeated
several times.
Observe the subject from a safe distance and limit your movement which may distract
the subject during the test. Always consider officer safety.
Notes:_______________________________________________
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HS 178 R5/13 47 of 62
Session 8 - Concepts and Principles of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)
DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Walk and Turn Test Criterion
2 or more clues indicates BAC
at or above 0.08 (79% accurate)
8-76
Based on recent research, if the subject exhibits two or more clues on this test or fails to
complete it, classify the subject's BAC as at or above 0.08. Using this criterion, you will
be able to accurately classify 79% of your subjects.
Review of Divided Attention Definition
Walk and Turn is a field sobriety test based on the important concept of divided
attention.
The test requires the subject to divide attention among mental tasks and physical tasks.
The mental tasks include comprehension of verbal instructions; processing of
information; and, recall of memory.
The physical tasks include balance and coordination; the subject is required to maintain
balance and coordination while standing still, walking, and turning.
Session 8 - Concepts and Principles of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)
DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Walk and Turn Test Criterion
2 or more clues indicates BAC
at or above 0.08 (79% accurate)
8-77
Instruction Stage
Notes:_______________________________________________
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Notes:_______________________________________________
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HS 178 R5/13 48 of 62
Session 8 - Concepts and Principles of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)
DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Walk and Turn Test Criterion
2 or more clues indicates BAC
at or above 0.08 (79% accurate)
8-78
Balance and Counting Stage
Session 8 - Concepts and Principles of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)
DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Walk and Turn Test Criterion
2 or more clues indicates BAC
at or above 0.08 (79% accurate)
8-79

Test DemonstrationsSource: DWI Detection and
Standardized Field
Sobriety Testing
March 2013 Edition

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