When a person in Nebraska is stopped by a police officer, sheriff or other member of a law enforcement entity, there exists the potential that the officer may investigate them for suspected driving under the influence. Many things may make this line of questioning possible such as the presence of alcohol on a person's breath. When this sequence of investigation is initiated, three different field sobriety tests that are standardized for use by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may be used. One of these is the one-leg stand test.
As explained by FieldSobrietyTests.org, none of the tests approved for use by the NHTSA are completely foolproof as they all have some measure of error. The one-leg stand test is said to have an accuracy rate of only 65 percent. In this test, the officer is required to first provide a demonstration with clear instructions before asking you to perform the test yourself. Once you indicate you understand what to do, the performance portion of the test may begin.
You will be required to hold one foot about a half a foot off the ground with your eyes firmly fixed on that raised foot and your eyes firmly fixed at your sides. You must count out loud as instructed and only stop on command. Any placing of your foot down, hopping, swaying or use of your arms may contribute to you being said to have failed the test.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give Nebraska residents an overview of what is involved in the one-leg stand field sobriety test during a drunk driving investigation.