Which factor can influence the outcome of field sobriety tests?

The outcome of field sobriety tests can be significantly influenced by the road conditions under which the tests are conducted. For example, if the road is wet, slippery, or uneven, these factors can create challenges for the individual taking the tests, potentially resulting in poorer performance that may not accurately reflect their level of impairment. Adverse road conditions can hinder balance, coordination, and overall physical ability, which are critical components that field sobriety tests evaluate. Consequently, an individual may fail the tests not necessarily due to intoxication but because the external conditions were not conducive to performing the required tasks effectively.

While other factors such as a driver's age, emotional state, or previous driving record may play a role in assessments made during a traffic stop, they do not directly impact the mechanics of executing the physical tasks required in field sobriety testing as road conditions do.