What does NHTSA emphasize regarding the SFST's validity?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes that the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) are effective in identifying impaired drivers based on substantial research. This assertion is backed by rigorous studies demonstrating the tests' reliability and validity in assessing a driver's level of impairment, particularly with respect to alcohol. The SFST protocols are scientifically developed and validated, making them a cornerstone for law enforcement officers to detect impairment during traffic stops.

Research has shown that the SFSTs can accurately predict whether a driver has a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at or above the legal limit. This empirical backing provides law enforcement with confidence in the results they obtain during the testing process, thereby enforcing road safety measures effectively. In essence, the focus on the empirical evidence highlighting the effectiveness of SFST connects directly to its broad acceptance in the field as a legitimate tool for assessing driver impairment.