If a police officer in Maryland suspects impaired driving, you may need to take field sobriety tests. These tests check your balance, coordination and ability to follow instructions. Most people focus on alcohol or medication, but your clothing can also affect how you perform. Understanding this can help you see why test results do not always reflect the full situation.
Why footwear can affect your balance
The shoes you wear can make balance harder during field sobriety tests. High heels, sandals, loose-fitting shoes and heavy work boots reduce stability. Even athletic shoes with thick soles change how you move.
Some tests may require you to walk heel to toe or stand on one leg. Shoes that limit movement or reduce traction can make these tasks harder, even if you are sober. Uneven pavement, gravel and wet roads can make completing field sobriety tests even more difficult.
During testing, officers allow you to remove heels more than two inches high before balance tests. However, completing these tests barefoot can be challenging. Wet or cold surfaces can make it harder to maintain balance.
How your clothing can limit movement
Your clothing can also affect how easily you complete physical tests. Tight skirts, restrictive dresses and stiff work uniforms limit your movement. Heavy coats, bulky sweatshirts and multiple layers also make it harder to move naturally.
Keep in mind that the weather and temperature can affect field sobriety tests as well. During colder months, you may wear more layers of clothing, limiting your flexibility. Similarly, if it is raining, wet clothes can affect your coordination and make it harder to move.
When an officer asks you to perform field sobriety tests, try to remain calm and pay close attention to their instructions. If your clothing, footwear or other conditions makes the exercises harder, it may help to mention it during testing.
Protecting your interests during a traffic stop
Every traffic stop is different, and field sobriety tests are not always accurate because external factors can affect your performance. Your footwear and clothing can hamper your balance and mobility, interfering with the tests. Understanding these influences helps you explain yourself ad potentially protect your interests if questions arise about your performance during the stop.