What factors can affect the reliability of field sobriety tests?

Field sobriety tests are designed to assess a driver's level of impairment due to alcohol or drugs; however, their reliability can be influenced by several factors. The presence of medical conditions, age, and physical limitations can significantly impact an individual's performance on these tests.

For instance, individuals with certain medical conditions such as inner ear problems, neurological disorders, or injuries affecting balance may struggle with tasks that require physical coordination and stability. Additionally, age plays a role, as older adults may experience decreased physical agility or cognitive processing speed, which could lead to poor test performance even without the influence of alcohol or drugs. Disabilities or physical limitations can also hinder a person's ability to engage fully in the tasks involved in field sobriety testing, leading to misinterpretation of their sobriety status.

Considering these factors, it's clear that they can lead to unreliable results in field sobriety assessments, making this the most appropriate choice in the context of what affects the reliability of these tests.