Sobriety Test

Sobriety Test

Introduction

A field sobriety test is used by the law enforcement to detect the illegal impairment or an activity that is executed by an individual while driving and is been suspected by the law enforcement under the influence. There are pros and cons using this field sobriety tests in which an individual can be prosecuted and not be over the alcohol limit because in certain aspects we have individuals failing the field sobriety tests such as the walk and turn DUI test and might have a physical impairment in which the accused individual cannot perform the “test” correctly (Beitel, 2000).

In this assignment I am playing a role of a law enforcer and conducting a sobriety test on a person who is driving under the influence.

Discussion

First of all drunk driving is prohibited and is considered to be an unethical concern. Driving under the influence carried a well less penalty then it does today. Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most dangerous things that can cause car accidents. In 2008, there were 1,029 fatalities resulting from alcohol-related car crashes in California. That was a drop from 1,132 fatalities in 2007, 1,272 fatalities in 2006 and 1,298 fatalities in 2005. There have been plenty of factors that have contributed to the decline in these DUI fatality rates. California, which already has some of the toughest laws against drunk driving in the country, has also invested in stronger enforcement of these laws. Even in times of financial upheaval, the California Office of Traffic Safety has handed out grants to local counties to enable them to conduct sobriety checkpoints and patrols (DeJong, 1998).

If the individual is convicted in the court of law, a first time offender will be subject to fines up to $2,000 and jail time between three days and six months or the judge can allow the individual to receive probation for first time offenders in the state of California (Cohen, 1958).

A sobriety test proves that the victim has been drunk driving. The process carries few steps that requires the victim to walk in a straight line with 9 heal-to-toe steps. If the victim is not able to pass the test then it proves that the driver has been heavy drinking. Another problem that raises these casualties is teen motorists which are some of the highest risk groups for drunken driving (DeJong, 1998).

According to the Center for Disease Control ...