What type of testing is prioritized during a DWI investigation?

During a DWI investigation, Field Sobriety Testing is prioritized as it provides immediate visual and physical assessments of a driver's impairment. Officers utilize these tests to evaluate a person's balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions, which can be indicative of intoxication. The tests are designed to be simple and quick to administer on the roadside, allowing officers to make initial determinations about a driver’s level of impairment before proceeding with further testing or arrest.

Field Sobriety Tests typically include tasks such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, the Walk-and-Turn test, and the One-Leg Stand test. These procedures require minimal equipment and can effectively indicate signs of impairment due to alcohol or drugs. This immediate assessment plays a crucial role in the DWI arrest process, as it helps establish probable cause for further testing or arrest.

While blood testing, urine testing, and breath testing are important components of the overall DWI investigation process, they are typically conducted after the initial roadside assessment. These methods may serve to confirm the findings from field sobriety tests or gauge blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but the initial priority during an investigation is always to observe and test the driver's physical and cognitive functions through field sobriety tests.