Don’t think Texas law enforcements efforts to stop drunk drivers ends when the holiday season is over – this is a top priority throughout the entire year. If you’ve ever been pulled over because of suspected DWI, then unfortunately you already know the routine. For those that have not been checked for DWI, then the process goes something like this: The officer will ask you a series of questions. If your answers or actions (or a combination of both) lead the officer to believe you may be intoxicated, then you will be asked to step out of your vehicle. The office may ask you further questions and then ask if you will take a Field Sobriety Test. There are a number of tests the officer can administer, some of which are listed below:

  • Walk and Turn (Divided Attention Test) – The driver (and/or passenger) will be asked to take a certain number of heel-to-toe steps, turn around, and take the same number of steps back. The police officer will be checking to see if the person taking the test can follow directions, keep his or her balance, and complete the test without stopping.
  • One Leg Stand – the person taking the test will be asked to stand on one leg with their arms down by their sides. Then they’ll be asked to raise one leg up off the ground, but not too far up, then count out loud so they can be heard. The officer is looking to see if the driver can follow instruction, keep their balance and maintain their ability to stand still.
  • Finger To Nose – the person taking the test will be asked to stand still with their legs together and eyes closed, and then touch their nose with an index finger. Sometimes they may be asked to do this while tilting their head back slightly.
  • Horizontal and Vertical Gaze Nystagmus Test – The driver will be asked to use his eyes to follow an object, such as a pencil, that is placed about a foot away from his or her face. The officer will move the object from side to side, then up and down. The officer will be looking for smooth pursuit, or smooth eye movement.
  • Balancing Test. The driver will be asked to close their eyes, tilt the head slightly back, and estimate 30 seconds while remaining in that position. Swaying, not being able to keep feet on the ground, eyelid tremors, or opening the eyes may indicate the subject is intoxicated.
  • Breathalyzer Test – the officer will ask the person taking the test to blow into a device that measures blood alcohol content. If the BAC registers more than .08%, the driver is considered intoxicated.

Here at Southern Bail Bonds we are often asked if there are ways to beat a Field Sobriety Test. Believe it or not, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” It’s actually quite simple: DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!! If you do drink while away from home, then there are several options at your disposal:

  • If you’re at a friend’s house – STAY THERE until you’re sober.
  • If you can’t stay there then have someone (who hasn’t been drinking) drive you home.
  • Call a cab, friend or relative.

All of these choices are better than dealing with a DWI, which will cost you thousands of dollars. And more importantly, it’s better than dealing with the aftermath of a serious or even deadly accident, which will NEVER go away because you’ll have to deal with the consequences of your actions for the rest of your life! If you do have the misfortune of being arrested for a DWI – Southern Bail Bonds can provide you with a Dallas County Bail Bond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Call us  at 214-372-2500.  We’re ready to help!

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