What is the purpose of the pre-arrest screening phase in OWI detection?

The pre-arrest screening phase in Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) detection primarily aims to assess driver impairment. This phase involves observing the driver's behavior, physical condition, and other indicators that may suggest intoxication, such as slurred speech, difficulty with motor skills, or the odor of alcohol. The objective is to gather evidence that supports the belief that the driver is operating a vehicle while impaired before making the decision to arrest. This assessment is crucial for law enforcement officers, as it lays the groundwork for the procedures that follow and helps ensure that any arrest made is supported by reasonable suspicion of impairment.

The other options, while related to driver safety and legal enforcement, do not specifically address the focus of the pre-arrest screening phase. Identifying vehicle ownership and checking for a valid driver's license are important steps in traffic enforcement but do not directly assess impairment. Investigating previous traffic violations may provide context but is not the central purpose of this initial screening phase related to OWI detection.