Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
A History Of Law Enforcement's Testing Methods
For decades, police officers have used certain voluntary tests to determine possible intoxication of drivers stopped on suspicion. The tests varied widely in the past: a driver might be asked to touch his or her finger to the nose, stand on one leg, walk a straight line, or even recite part of the alphabet. No studies were available to determine the fairness of these tests in determining intoxication.
Using Nystagmus Tests To Determine Sobriety
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) researched these tests in 1977 and 1981 and determined a sound battery of tests that could fairly reliably determine a driver’s intoxication level.
Learn more about Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Tests.
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