In a field sobriety test, officers often look for signs of:

The reason physical impairment is the correct choice in the context of a field sobriety test is that these tests are specifically designed to assess an individual's motor skills and physical coordination. Officers conduct these tests to determine if a person's ability to perform tasks, such as walking heel-to-toe or balancing on one leg, is compromised by alcohol or other substances. Observing signs of physical impairment helps officers evaluate whether a driver's sobriety is impaired enough to pose a risk to themselves and others on the road.

In contrast, while emotional distress, cognitive clarity, and social interaction skills may provide some insight into an individual's state, they are not the primary focuses of field sobriety tests. These tests are rooted in objective measurements of physical ability, making physical impairment the most relevant indicator in assessing sobriety.