One of the most commonly used field sobriety tests in Georgia DUI cases is the One Leg Stand (OLS). This test is designed to measure your ability to divide attention between mental and physical tasks, which police claim is more difficult under the influence of alcohol. However, this test is one of the least reliable standardized field sobriety tests, and Attorney Simon Peed is ready to challenge its validity if it’s being used as evidence against you.
How the One Leg Stand Test Works
During the OLS test, you are instructed to stand on one leg while keeping your arms at your sides, and count aloud until told to stop. The officer looks for four specific clues of impairment:
- Sways while balancing
- Uses arms to balance
- Hops
- Puts foot down
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), if you exhibit two or more of these clues, there is an 83% chance of alcohol impairment. However, the original research showed only a 65% correlation, raising questions about the validity of the test.
Factors That Can Influence the Results
Several external and personal factors can cause poor performance on the OLS test, including:
- Medical Conditions: Back, knee, leg, or neck injuries, as well as head trauma, can affect balance.
- Physical Fitness: Being overweight or in poor physical condition can make the test more difficult.
- Environmental Conditions: Uneven pavement, poor lighting, flashing police lights, passing traffic, or adverse weather can impact results.
- Stress and Distractions: Being asked to perform this test during a high-stress roadside stop creates unnatural conditions for evaluation.
Challenging the OLS Test in Court
Attorney Simon Peed knows how to present these factors in court to show how the OLS test results are unreliable. Additionally, officers often fail to account for the tips and techniques—such as bending knees or squeezing muscles for balance—that they are taught during training but rarely communicate to drivers during roadside stops.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Georgia and the One Leg Stand Test is being used as evidence against you, Attorney Simon Peed can help you challenge its validity and build a strong defense tailored to your case.
