Massachusetts DWI DUI OUI Field Sobriety Test Police Training Manual

The second driver was concentrating on controlling the car’s speed and direction. He noticed the traffic light, but he did not have enough attention left to react to the specific color of the light. Therefore he stopped for a green light.

Some of the most significant evidence from all three phases of DWI detection can be related directly to the effects of alcohol and/or other drugs on divided attention ability. We will return to the concept of divided attention in Session VI. Personal Contact and Session VII. Pre-arrest Screening.

4. RECOGNIZING AND DESCRIBING INITIAL CUES

Observing the vehicle in operation is the first task in DWI detection. Proper performance of that task requires two distinct but related abilities:

• the ability to recognize evidence of impairment; and

• the ability to describe that evidence clearly and convincingly.

It is not enough that you observe and recognize symptoms of impaired driving. You also must be able to describe what happened so that others will have a clear mental picture of what took place. Improving your ability to recognize and clearly describe observational evidence requires practice.

5. THE STOPPING SEQUENCE

Your second task during Phase One of the detection process is to observe the manner in which the driver responds to your signal to stop, and to note any additional evidence of a DWI violation.

Cues reinforcing the suspicion of DWI may be found in the stopping sequence. After the command to stop is given, the impaired driver may exhibit additional important evidence of DWI. These cues may include:

• an attempt to flee;
• no response;
• slow response;
• an abrupt swerve;
• sudden stop; and
• striking the curb or another object.

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