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How Cold Weather Can Impact Field Sobriety Tests 
When you’re asked to perform a field sobriety test (FST) after being pulled over by law enforcement, your ability to complete the test is often used as evidence of your sobriety or impairment. However, it’s important to recognize that various factors—like the temperature and weather—can directly affect how well you perform these tests. These conditions are sometimes overlooked by officers during evaluations, potentially leading to a wrongful assumption of impairment. Cold weather can be particularly challenging when it comes to physical coordination and balance. Zendeh Del & Associates PLLC has handled numerous cases in Galveston, TX, where the weather conditions were a key factor in assessing the accuracy of FST results. In this guide, we explore the different ways cold temperatures and coastal weather may interfere with a person’s ability to perform FSTs accurately. The Types of Field Sobriety Tests and Their Challenges in Cold Weather
Field sobriety tests usually consist of a few tasks designed to evaluate coordination, balance, and mental alertness. The most common tests include the One-Leg Stand Test, the Walk-and-Turn Test, and the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test (HGN). While these tests are designed to be simple, cold weather can severely impact an individual’s ability to perform these tasks.One-Leg Stand Test
The One-Leg Stand Test requires the subject to stand on one leg and hold the other leg about six inches off the ground for as long as possible. This task is meant to test a person’s balance and ability to follow instructions. However, in cold weather, the body naturally tightens muscles in an effort to stay warm, leading to decreased flexibility and a reduced ability to maintain balance. When performing this test in cold weather, an individual might find themselves involuntarily shaking or shifting their weight, both of which can lead to failure on the test. Even if the person is sober, the cold environment can mimic the signs of impairment, such as swaying or difficulty balancing, which can be misinterpreted by law enforcement.The Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC Team
Walk-and-Turn Test
The Walk-and-Turn Test requires the subject to take nine heel-to-toe steps in a straight line, turn around on one foot, and return in the same manner. This test is used to evaluate coordination, physical control, and the ability to follow directions. Cold weather can impair an individual’s ability to perform this test as it often leads to stiff joints, which are less mobile and more prone to instability. In addition, the cold environment may cause the muscles in the legs to contract, making it harder to maintain the balance necessary for heel-to-toe walking. Furthermore, slippery or uneven surfaces, especially common along coastal roads, can make it even more difficult to pass this test.Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test
While the HGN test is not physically demanding, it can still be affected by environmental factors. The test involves the officer asking the individual to follow a moving object (usually a pen or finger) with their eyes. Cold weather, particularly in coastal regions where wind and humidity can play a role, can cause discomfort in the eyes, leading to watery eyes, irritation, or excessive blinking. This could result in false indicators of nystagmus, a condition that is typically associated with alcohol impairment.The Impact of Wind Chill and Coastal Weather on Performance
Coastal areas like Galveston, TX, are known for their unpredictable weather, particularly in the winter months. Even mild cold fronts can cause temperatures to drop quickly, and the wind chill factor can make conditions feel even colder than they actually are. Wind and humidity are two key factors that can influence a person’s performance during field sobriety tests.Wind Chill
Wind chill refers to the added chill that results from wind blowing across the skin, making the temperature feel colder than it is. This can have a major effect on a person’s ability to perform FSTs, especially tasks like balancing or standing still. The cold can cause the body to react in ways that may be interpreted as signs of impairment, such as shaking or difficulty standing straight. For individuals who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the cold wind can cause tremors or discomfort that will affect their ability to complete the tasks correctly. These physical signs, if not understood in the context of the cold weather, could lead to false conclusions about their level of impairment.Case Results
Coastal Humidity and Damp Conditions
In coastal regions, humidity levels can be high, making the air feel colder and damp. This can have several impacts on the physical performance of individuals during FSTs:- Reduced Grip and Coordination: Damp or cold conditions can cause numbness in the extremities, affecting a person’s ability to maintain control over their movements. This can impair the individual’s performance during the Walk-and-Turn test and the One-Leg Stand test, where fine motor control is necessary.
- Slippery Surfaces: Coastal areas often experience high humidity, and if combined with a drop in temperature, it can result in slippery road surfaces. Slippery surfaces make it difficult to complete the Walk-and-Turn test or the One-Leg Stand test, potentially leading to an unfair judgment about the person’s coordination or balance.