What would a state patrol officer most likely do with a driver and a younger passenger that were pulled over for speeding and had a smell of alcohol on their breath
If a state patrol officer pulls over a driver and a younger passenger for speeding and detects the smell of alcohol on their breath, their response can vary depending on the specific circumstances and applicable laws. However, the most likely actions that a state patrol officer would take in such a situation are:
1. Assessing the situation: The officer will evaluate the driver and passenger to determine their level of impairment and their respective ages. If the driver is under the legal drinking age (usually 21 years old in the United States), the officer might be more vigilant due to the zero-tolerance policies regarding underage drinking and driving.
2. Conducting a sobriety test: The officer will likely ask the driver to perform a field sobriety test to assess their level of impairment. These tests usually involve walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, or following a moving object with their eyes. If the driver fails the sobriety test or shows evident signs of impairment, the officer might proceed with a breathalyzer test.
3. Administering a breathalyzer test: If the driver fails the sobriety test or the officer detects a strong odor of alcohol on their breath, they may ask the driver to take a breathalyzer test. This test measures the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, confirming whether the driver is legally intoxicated.
4. Determining consequences: Based on the results of both the sobriety and breathalyzer tests, the officer will decide on the appropriate course of action. If the driver is over the legal drinking age but under the legal BAC limit, they might issue a warning or a citation for speeding. However, if the driver is intoxicated, they will likely face more severe consequences, such as an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI).
5. Ensuring passenger safety: As for the younger passenger in the vehicle, the state patrol officer may take steps to ensure their safety. They might contact a guardian, arrange for a sober driver to pick them up, or inform Child Protective Services if the circumstances suggest neglect or endangerment.
It is crucial to note that the above steps may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the individual officer's discretion. Additionally, laws and procedures differ across countries, so the response in your local area might be different.