What type of evidence is primarily observed in phase 2 of a DWI investigation?

Phase 2 of a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) investigation is focused on the observations made by the law enforcement officer when they interact with the driver after the initial stop. During this phase, officers look for visual cues of impairment, which include various behaviors and physical signs that suggest the driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These cues can be things like the driver's inability to maintain eye contact, slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, or unsteady movements.

Recognizing these visual cues is critical because they inform the officer's decision to proceed with further evaluations, such as field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer test. While breathalyzer results, driver's statements, and vehicle condition might provide important information during the overall investigation, they are not the primary focus during phase 2. Instead, it is the grounded observations of the driver's behavior and condition that play a pivotal role in determining whether a driver should be suspected of DWI at this stage.