What is a key indicator that an officer should look for when evaluating the Walk-and-Turn test?

The Walk-and-Turn test is designed to assess a person's ability to perform divided attention tasks, which can be significantly impaired by intoxication. A key indicator during this test is improper foot placement initially. This aspect is crucial because maintaining correct foot placement demonstrates the individual's balance and coordination. When a participant fails to start with the correct foot position, it suggests they may be struggling with the basic physical and cognitive tasks required to complete the test properly.

In the context of the test, this marks a significant red flag for potential impairment, as individuals who are sober typically have no difficulty positioning themselves correctly to begin the task. Recognizing improper foot placement can effectively guide an officer in determining the person's level of sobriety, contributing to the overall assessment during a DUI stop.

The other indicators, such as the ability to recite the alphabet or the frequency of eye blinking, do not directly relate to the specific physical coordination that the Walk-and-Turn test aims to measure. Pupil reaction time, while relevant in other contexts, is not applicable to this specific field sobriety test and does not provide insight into walking balance or divided attention capabilities in the same way that foot placement does.