What do Field Sobriety Tests primarily measure?

Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) primarily assess a driver's behavioral responses, specifically their ability to perform a series of physical and cognitive tasks while under the possible influence of alcohol or drugs. These tests are designed to observe how well an individual can maintain balance, follow instructions, and coordinate their movements, which are all affected by impairment.

When conducting FSTs, law enforcement officers look for signs of impairment, such as difficulty maintaining balance, inability to follow directions, or a lack of coordination. The behavioral responses observed during these tests provide crucial information regarding the driver's state at the time of the testing and help officers to make an informed decision about whether the individual is fit to operate a vehicle.

While the other options touch on aspects related to driving, they do not specifically pertain to the primary purpose of FSTs. For instance, vehicle damage and operation skills focus on the practical aspects of driving rather than how alcohol affects a driver's responses, while knowledge of traffic laws does not directly correlate with physical and cognitive abilities tested during sobriety assessments.