The Walk-And-Turn test is one of the more common field sobriety tests used in the Rochester area, and most people are familiar with the concept of a police officer asking someone suspected of drunk driving to “walk a straight line,” which is the basic form of the Walk-And-Turn test.

While the Walk-And-Turn test has been studied and approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for use in determining whether a driver is intoxicated, it is rarely given in the manner required by the NHTSA.

The proper manner to give the test is to have the driver take nine steps heel-to-toe in a straight line, turn on one foot, and return in the same manner.

During the test, the police officer will mark off any of the following actions by the driver:

• Cannot keep balance while listening to instructions.
• Starts before instructions are finished.
• Stops to regain balance while walking.
• Fails to touch heel-to-toe (even once).
• Loses balance while walking or steps off line.
• Uses arms for balance.
• Does not perform turn correctly.
• Takes the incorrect number of steps.

Should the officer find that the suspected drunk driver has made any two of the above errors when performing the Walk-And-Turn test, the driver will be considered to have failed the test.

Unfortunately, even when correctly administered, the Walk-And-Turn test does not take into account factors that may be specific to the given case, such as the type of shoes worn, the condition of the walking surface, and the weather –all of which can impact performance on the test.

If you have been arrested for DWI and need legal help, please call us at 585-484-7432 for a legal consultation.