Law enforcement officers may use many ways to measure driver intoxication during traffic stops, such as performing breath tests. Their results tend to be reliable and helpful when determining how drunk someone is by verifying their alcohol concentration (AC). But sometimes, these figures can vary based on other factors that could be unrelated to alcohol consumption.
Like other tests, breath tests can also be prone to inaccuracy, depending on the driver’s physical condition and whether they took the test correctly. When reviewing results, authorities should also consider the following details:
- Dilution of alcohol in the body based on weight and stature
- Body and health differences that can vary according to gender or hormonal health
- Whether the driver ate food while having drinks, which can impact how the body breaks down alcohol
- Actions performed while taking the test, such as hyperventilating or drinking considerable amounts of water shortly beforehand
- Other factors that can impact results, such as medication and other chemical substances taken orally
If unrelated factors may have altered the breath test results, the officer could ask the driver to take further testing to confirm intoxication levels. Still, this may only be possible based on what happened during the traffic stop.
The officer must also approach the driver and conduct steps according to standard protocol. If they make mistakes leading to an unfair and unfavorable outcome for the driver, this could be a vital detail when discussing the incident later in court.
Knowing how to address DWI charges effectively
Facing charges because of exceeding AC limits can be scary, but it is essential to know whether the results were accurate. If issues involving the test caused inconsistencies, they could be crucial to bring up in court to paint a clear picture of what happened at the scene. It might not guarantee a dismissal of charges, but it could help maintain fairness, so the charges reflect the actual severity of the offense.
