What is the primary task of phase 3 in field sobriety testing?

Phase 3 of field sobriety testing primarily focuses on the actual execution of field sobriety tests themselves. During this phase, an officer assesses the subject's physical and cognitive abilities by administering standardized tests designed to evaluate impairment. These tests typically include tasks such as the Walk-and-Turn, One-Leg Stand, and Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, which are scientifically validated to indicate levels of alcohol impairment.

This phase is crucial because it allows the officer to collect observable evidence of impairment through the subject’s performance on these tasks. The results of these tests can significantly influence the officer’s decision on whether to proceed with an arrest for driving under the influence.

In contrast, the other options involve different processes related to handling suspected impaired drivers. Breathalyzer tests (the first option) are typically performed after the field sobriety tests to quantitatively measure blood alcohol content. Blood sample collection (the third option) is often used in cases where the breath test is not suitable or when further confirmation is needed. Vehicle inspection (the fourth option) pertains to assessing the condition of the vehicle, which is not directly related to assessing the driver's sobriety. Thus, phase 3 distinctly emphasizes the administration and assessment of the field sobriety tests themselves, making it the