Essex Police officers will now carry out field impairment tests at the roadside
90% of Roads Policing Unit officers have completed the training
Essex Police's Roads Policing Unit officers can now carry out Field Impairment Tests (FIT) to check if drivers are impaired and unsafe to drive as a direct result of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescribed medication.
Around 90% of officers in the unit have completed the training, helping officers better identify drivers who may not be fit to be behind the wheel or riding a motorbike.
Mr Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing in Essex said:
"Road safety is about protecting everyone who uses our roads. Drivers who are impaired put themselves, their passengers and other road users at risk, which is why identifying them is so important.
"We've all seen footage of American officers conducting the tests on social media, now we're using the same tests.
“Alcohol and illegal drugs aren't the only things that can negatively affect your driving, prescribed medication can too, so it’s important to check whether a driver is fit to be behind the wheel using the Field Impairment Tests.
"We're continuing to invest in the training as we’re committed to doing all we can to prevent serious and fatal collisions on our roads and taking immediate action when someone may not be fit to drive underlines that principle.”
The test is recorded on body-worn video or police vehicle dash cams, which can capture both the officer's instructions and the driver's responses.
Field Impairment Tests consist of five checks:
- An eye check: Officers examine a driver's pupils.
- A balance test: Drivers are asked to stand still with their feet together and arms at their sides.
- A one-leg stand: Drivers are asked to raise a foot off the ground to check balance and concentration.
- A walk and turn test: Drivers must walk heel-to-toe in a straight line and turn around.
- A fingertip-to-nose test: Drivers must close their eyes and touch the tip of their nose with their fingertip.
Mr Pipe added: “I’d urge all our drivers and riders to make sure you are safe to drive and before you do, ask yourself: Am I fit to drive?”