Abstract
More automobile accidents are caused by drowsiness than by alcohol intoxication. Lack of sleep, alcohol intoxication, and a mild concussion after an accident all may present with similar symptoms, and cause an individual to fail the standard field sobriety tests. This means that a drowsy individual or one with a mild concussion who has the odor of alcohol on his breath may well be charged with DWI, even if his blood alcohol content is below 0.08mg%. This article reviews the findings of drowsiness, and mild concussions, as well as the history of the standardized field sobriety tests. It then presents ways in which the non-intoxicated driver who has been accused of DWI can be differentiated from the intoxicated one.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 5-22 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | American Journal of Forensic Psychiatry |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| State | Published - Dec 7 2005 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Psychiatry and Mental health