6. The final phase
of this study was conducted as a field validation.
-
Standardized, practical and effective procedures were developed
-
The tests were determined to discriminate in the field, as well as in
the laboratory.
7. The three
standardized test were found to be highly reliable in identifying subjects
whose BACs were above 0.10. The results of the study unmistakably validated
the SFSTs.
SFST VALIDATION
STUDIES
1. Three SFST
validation studies were undertaken between 1995 and 1998:
• Colorado—1995
• Florida—1997
• San Diego—1998
2. The Colorado
SFST validation study was the first full field study that utilized law
enforcement personnel experienced in the use of SFSTs.
-
The initial
study utilized only a few experienced officers in DWI enforcement in both a
laboratory setting and field setting.
-
Correct arrests decisions were made 93% of the time based on the 3-test
battery (HGN, WAT, OLS). Substantially higher than the initial study
results.
3. The Florida
SFST field validation study was undertaken in order to answer the question of
whether SFSTs are valid and reliable indices of the presence of alcohol when
used under present day traffic and law enforcement conditions.
-
Correct
decisions to arrest were made 95% of the time based on the 3-test battery
(HON, WAT, OLS).
-
This is the third SFST field validation study that has been undertaken.
Each has shown that the SFST 3-test battery is the only scientifically
validated and reliable method for discriminating between impaired and
unimpaired drivers.
