In Phase One, the officer usually has an opportunity to ____________.

In Phase One of the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST), the officer has the opportunity to observe the driver operating the vehicle. This phase is crucial for the initial assessment of potential impairment. Observations may include noting erratic driving behaviors such as swerving, abrupt lane changes, or other signs that indicate a lack of control or impaired ability to operate the vehicle safely.

The officer's observations during this phase help establish a rationale for making a traffic stop and can inform subsequent actions, including conducting further assessments or sobriety tests once the vehicle is halted. This phase focuses specifically on the behavior of the driver as observed from the officer’s perspective while the vehicle is in motion, which is fundamental for identifying possible impairment before any direct interaction with the driver or other investigative actions are taken.