 
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI
|
| 1. |
What
signs or cues indicating impairment do law enforcement officers
look for in an individual's driving?
|
| The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has set
out the following list of symptoms, in descending order of probability,
that indicate the person observed is driving while intoxicated. |
| 1. |
Turning with a wide radius. |
| 2. |
Straddling
center line or marker. |
| 3. |
"Appearing
to be drunk." |
| 4. |
Almost
striking object or vehicle. |
| 5. |
Weaving. |
| 6. |
Driving
on other than designated roadway. |
| 7. |
Swerving. |
| 8. |
Speed
slower than 10 mph below posted limit. |
| 9. |
Stopping
without cause in a traffic lane. |
| 10. |
Following
too closely. |
| 11. |
Drifting. |
| 12. |
Tires
on center lane or marker. |
| 13. |
Braking
erratically. |
| 14. |
Driving
into opposing or crossing traffic. |
| 15. |
Slow response
to traffic signal. |
| 16. |
Signaling
inconsistent with driving action. |
| 17. |
Stopping
inappropriately (other than in traffic lane). |
| 18. |
Turning
abruptly or illegally. |
| 19. |
Accelerating
or decelerating rapidly. |
| 20. |
Headlights
off during night driving.
|
| 2. |
After
the officer has pulled me over and is approaching my vehicle,
what symptoms of intoxication is the officer looking for?
|
| Officers
are trained to look for certain symptoms or conditions in a person's
appearance or demeanor. Some of these conditions are: |
| 1. |
Flushed
(red) face. |
| 2. |
Watery,
bloodshot, dilated, or glossy eyes. |
| 3. |
Odor of
alcohol on the breath. |
| 4. |
Slurred,
thick-tongued, or incoherent speech. |
| 5. |
Stumbling,
swaying, needing assistance to stand. |
| 6. |
Antagonistic,
combative, sarcastic, profane, insulting, illogical attitude. |
| 7. |
Inability
to follow directions. |
| 8. |
Soiled
clothing, urinating on self, vomiting. |
|
9. |
Disoriented
as to time and place. |
| 10. |
Inability
to retrieve license or other items requested by officer. |
