Everett Lynnwood Snohomish County DUI Attorney: Romberg Balance Test
The field sobriety tests are a critical component to the DUI arrest and investigation process. The following information is an excerpt from the upcoming book, "The DUI Handbook for the Accused, Vol. II." This valuable book is due out in March, 2011 and is the most thorough and complete DUI resource for the accused in the United States. Please check back for an announcment as to its availability. It will be avialble in over 100 online bookstores in including amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.
Romberg Test
Of all the field sobriety tests that are non-standardized the best known and most commonly used is the Romberg Test. A German ear specialist by the name of Moritz Heinrich Romberg developed a balance assessment test in 1853 that could be used to diagnose diseases. This test is known as the "Romberg Test" and is widely used as a non-specific test of neurological or inner ear dysfunction. The Romberg Test has been modified for use by police officers in the performance of Field Sobriety Tests although this test is not a starndardized Field Sobriety Tests. The test is also part of the battery of tests and examinations used in the 12-Step Drug Recognition Examinations, found at the end of this chapter.
The Romberg Test is a neurological test to determine whether a subject can keep a steady standing position with the eyes closed. The basic test has an individual stand with his feet together, hands at his side, head tilted back, and eyes closed. The basic test has developed into several different variations. These different versions are commonly referred to as the "Sharpened" Romberg or the "Modified Position of Attention."
While there have been no studies validating the Romberg test in the DUI context, a number of studies have been conducted concluding that the Romberg Test when performed in the law enforcement environment is unreliable. ImObersteg, A. The Romberg Balance Test: Differentiating Normal Sway from Alcohol-Induced Sway. DWI Journal, Law & Science, Vol. 18, No. 5 (May, 2003) Additionally, studies have found that the increased sway found in testing can relate to things other than alcohol intoxication, such as weight, age, physical condition, exercise, sleep loss, elevated temperatures, and antihistamines. Anderson, Theodore E. et al. Field Evaluation of a Behavioral Test Battery for DWI. DOT-HS-806-475 (1983)
For information on your Anacortes DUI and Skagit County DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, Skagit County DUI attorneys, Mt Vernon DUI attorneys, Everett DUI attorneys, Lynnwood DUI attorneys, Mukilteo DUI attorneys, Bothell DUI Attorneys, or Anacortes DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com
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