Nearly every Georgia DUI suspect is asked to undergo a series of assessments known as Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). Developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the 1970s, these three tests were designed to evaluate sobriety based on physical coordination and balance. However, the reliability of SFSTs has come under increasing scrutiny, especially when it comes to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Statesboro DUI attorney Simon Peed wants you to understand the medical defenses available if your performance on SFSTs is in question.
Head Trauma
Individuals who have suffered from concussions or other forms of head trauma can experience lingering effects, such as dizziness and balance issues, long after the initial injury. These symptoms can easily interfere with SFST performance. If you have documented medical history of head injuries, Simon Peed can present this evidence in court to explain how it could have impacted your test results.
Leg Injuries
Two out of the three SFSTs—the “Walk and Turn” and the “One Leg Stand”—require significant use of your legs. Chronic pain or past injuries to the hips, knees, or ankles can make these tests difficult or even impossible to perform accurately. Even when instructed to stand on your “good” leg, the strain of holding up an injured leg can still hinder your balance and coordination.
Core Body Issues
Back and neck injuries also present challenges during SFSTs. The “Walk and Turn” test, which requires walking heel-to-toe, can become excruciatingly difficult for someone suffering from back pain. These injuries often affect overall balance, forcing one side of the body to compensate for the other and leading to poor performance on physical sobriety tests.
Additionally, certain body types may face inherent disadvantages. Individuals who are 50 pounds or more overweight may have greater difficulty balancing, which is why the NHTSA itself has acknowledged that the SFSTs were not originally designed for those with higher body weight. Unfortunately, this guideline is frequently overlooked during actual traffic stops.
If you have medical conditions like these and were asked to perform a field sobriety test, contact Simon Peed immediately. Simon will use his experience and knowledge to demonstrate to a judge or jury how your specific health issues influenced your SFST performance and work to protect your rights in court. Call today for a consultation.
