In the OWI detection process, which phase occurs after observing the vehicle in motion?

In the OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) detection process, after observing the vehicle in motion, the next phase is personal contact. This phase is critical as it involves the officer approaching the driver and assessing their condition through various cues.

During the personal contact phase, the officer observes the driver's behavior, demeanor, and any signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, odor of alcohol, or difficulty in understanding instructions. This assessment is essential for establishing probable cause for further investigation. It serves to gather qualitative data about the driver's state, which can influence the decision on whether to proceed with a more comprehensive evaluation or testing.

The other phases presented serve different purposes within the overall OWI detection process. For instance, the vehicle in motion phase is where initial observations are made, and traffic violation citation would occur if there are grounds for issuing a citation based on the observations. Pre-arrest screening follows personal contact and involves standardized field sobriety tests to further assess impairment levels. Understanding the sequence of these phases helps in effectively identifying and intervening in instances of impaired driving.