There are certain conditions that may make driving more difficult for some. Some of those conditions may include health problems, seeing at night or other issues that may it difficult to judge where one is or how one is driving. Recently in Indiana, a councilman was pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving but he insisted a medical condition made it difficult for him to comply with any field sobriety tests.
The 34-year-old councilman was observed driving the wrong way along a bypass, according to authorities. He was pursued by police and another officer came on the scene to stop traffic in the road until they could get the councilman to stop. When stopped, he supposedly said he had been drinking earlier in the day and the officer claimed to have smelled alcohol.
When asked to do a field sobriety test, the councilman purportedly said he had multiple sclerosis. He said he could not do the walk and turn test because the disease had affected his balance. Officials say he also had a hard time with the test requiring him to follow the officer’s pen with his eyes. The councilman refused to take a chemical test at the police station and was booked for suspicion of operating while intoxicated. He could possibly lose his license for one year as a result of refusing the test.
Field sobriety tests can play a huge role in how a drunk driving charge and case is handled. Anyone in Indiana should understand how the results are used and also what the tests may consist of. Anyone with a medical condition that may hinder the tests or present a challenge to the person taking the test may want to inquire as to what rights they have regarding refusal of a field sobriety test. All accused individuals have the right to seek the best outcome possible in each specific case.