Reader’s Question:

Seems like people I know who are arrested for DUI here in North Cleveland, Oklahoma almost always fail the field sobriety tests. But what I need to know is that, why is the walk and turn said to be a divided attention test and is this test being conducted?

Nate
North Cleveland, OK

Before I answer your question, let me just comment on your statement that the people you know who are arrested for DUI in North Cleveland, Oklahoma almost always fail the field sobriety tests because I seem to know why. These tests are really designed for failure and anyone, even those who are sober, would almost always fail these tests. So, to answer your question, the walk and turn is considered to be a divided attention test because you would be doing two things at a time. In doing this test, you will be asked to follow instructions and perform the test to measure physical dexterity.

In conducting the walk and turn test, the officer would tell the DUI suspect to assume a position with his left foot in front of his right foot with his hands at his side but the officer would demonstrate the exercise first. The officer would also tell the DUI suspect not to begin the exercise until told to do so. He will then be told to take nine heel-to-toe steps while counting out loud on an imaginary line and the ground is supposed to be level and free of debris.

Tags: DUI, DUI arrest, DUI lawyer, field sobriety tests