An examination of the validity of the standardized field sobriety test (SFST) in detecting drug impairment

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the three components of the SFST - Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), One Leg Stand (OLS), and Walk and Turn (WAT) - in identifying drug impairment. Data from 2,142 completed Drug Evaluation and Classification cases involving central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, CNS depressants, narcotic analgesics (NA), cannabis or no drugs were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. All four drug categories showed signs of impaired performance on the SFST. On the HGN test, users of CNS depressants were significantly more likely to experience lack of smooth pursuit and distinct nystagmus at maximum deviation compared to those who did not use drugs. On the OLS test, users of all four drug classes were significantly more likely to sway while balancing and use their arms to maintain balance, but were less likely to hop, as compared to drug-free cases. Users of CNS depressants, CNS stimulants and NA were also significantly more likely to put their raised foot down during the test. On the WAT test, users of CNS depressants, CNS stimulants and NA were less likely to keep their balance while listening to the test instructions compared to those who had not used drugs. Users of CNS depressants were less likely to touch heel-to-toe while walking, whereas individuals who had used NA were less likely to take the correct number of steps. These findings provide support for the use of the SFST as a screening tool for law enforcement to identify impairment in persons who have used CNS stimulants, CNS depressants, cannabis or NA. This work will have direct and immediate relevance to the training of police officers and will facilitate the enforcement of drug-impaired driving laws.

• Record URL:
  http://www.icadtsinternational.com/files/documents/2013_104.pdf
• 
• Authors:
  • Porath-Waller, A J
  • Beirness, D J
• Conference:
  • International Conference on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety (T2013), 20th, 2013, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
• Publication Date: 2013-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 622-8
• Monograph Title: 20th International Conference on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety Conference Proceedings, 25-28 August 2013, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Driver performance; Drivers; Drug effects; Drugs; Law enforcement; Medical examinations and tests; Medication
• Geographic Terms: Canada
• ATRI Terms: Driver performance; Drug effects; Law enforcement; Medical examination; Medication
• ITRD Terms: 2226: Driving aptitude; 1534: Enforcement (law)
• Subject Areas: Security and Emergencies; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01500789
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 5 2013 8:48AM