According to a study, how accurately does the Walk and Turn test predict a BAC over .08?

The Walk and Turn test is a standardized field sobriety test used by law enforcement officers to assess a person's level of impairment due to alcohol consumption. The test is designed to measure a person's ability to follow instructions, balance, and coordinate movements.

A prediction accuracy of 79% indicates that this particular study found that when individuals were given the Walk and Turn test, 79% of those who performed poorly on the test had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of over 0.08, which is the legal limit for driving in many jurisdictions. This level of accuracy is significant as it reflects the reliability of the test in identifying individuals who are likely to be impaired due to alcohol consumption.

The choice of 79% suggests a strong correlation between performance on the Walk and Turn test and actual BAC levels, highlighting its usefulness as a tool for law enforcement. The accuracy rate supports the validity of the test in field conditions, making it an important part of the training that officers receive in detecting impaired drivers.