What is the primary purpose of the One Leg Stand test?

The primary purpose of the One Leg Stand test is to measure balance. This test is often used in field sobriety assessments to evaluate an individual’s ability to maintain stability while standing on one leg for an extended period. Balance is an essential function that can be significantly affected by impairment, such as alcohol or drug use. In this context, maintaining posture and stability is indicative of an individual's coordination and overall physical control, which can be impaired due to intoxication. The results of this test can provide law enforcement officers with insights regarding the possible influence of substances on a person's physical abilities.

Other factors, such as speed, reaction time, or strength, are not the primary focus of the One Leg Stand test, as those attributes do not directly assess balance or stability, which are critical in determining sobriety in a traffic-related context.