Identify Suspected Impaired Drivers; Initial Observations; Stopping Drivers; Recognizing Signs Of Impairment - Intoximeters Alco-Sensor FST Operator's Manual

Alco‐Sensor FST®
Operator's Manual
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2.0 Identify Suspected Impaired Drivers
2.1 Initial Observation
The initial observation of vehicular operation begins when the officer first notices the vehicle
and/or the driver. If the initial observation discloses vehicle maneuvers or human behaviors
that may be associated with alcohol influence, the officer may develop an initial suspicion of
impaired driving.
2.2 Stopping Drivers
Provincial and/or federal legislation provide police with the authority to stop a vehicle.
2.3 Recognizing Signs of Impairment
Once the traffic stop has been initiated, the officer must closely observe the driver's actions and
vehicle maneuvers during the stopping sequence. Significant evidence of alcohol influence may
become apparent during the vehicle stop. Drivers impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs may
respond in unexpected and dangerous ways.
2.4 Assessing Signs of Impairment
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and as such, slows down the activity of the brain
and spinal cord. Impairment refers to a deterioration of sensory and mental functions to such
an extent as to make the operation of a motor vehicle unsafe. Impaired drivers have a
deterioration of vision and fine motor co‐ordination, decreased comprehension and judgment,
lessened attentiveness and a decreased rate of information processing. Drivers who are
impaired by alcohol may display the following driving behaviours: an inability to negotiate
curves and turns successfully; an increase in reaction time; misjudge the distance between
themselves and other vehicles; disregard for the rules of the road; increase in risk taking
behavior; and difficulty in maintaining lane positions and appropriate speeds.
It is the consensus of the scientific community that all individuals are impaired in their ability to
operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 100 mg%.
Intoxication is an advanced state of impairment in which the outward physical signs of the
deteriorating effects of alcohol are apparent. Intoxicated individuals may exhibit slurred
speech, loss of balance, staggered gait, emotional disturbances and teary or overemotional
behaviour.
Tolerance refers to the body's ability to withstand or resist the effects of alcohol, due to prior
exposure. The degree of intoxication exhibited by an individual at a given BAC will depend on
their level of tolerance to alcohol. Drinkers that have greater tolerance will appear less
intoxicated compared to inexperienced drinkers that have consumed the same amount of
alcohol. An experienced drinker may show no outward signs of impairment with a BAC of 100
mg%. However, their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle will still be impaired.
Alco‐Sensor FST® Operator's Manual
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