Why Are Sober Drivers in Tennessee Being Arrested for DUI?
Imagine getting pulled over after a minor fender bender, only to find yourself handcuffed and accused of driving under the influence—despite being stone-cold sober. That’s exactly what happened to Jane Bondurant, a respected former U.S. Attorney in Tennessee. And she’s not alone. In recent months, at least eight sober drivers have been arrested for DUI by the same state trooper, and statewide, more than 600 such cases have surfaced since 2017, according to investigative reporting by WSMV.
So, what’s going on? The answer lies in a mix of outdated testing methods, legal loopholes, and a system that sometimes values procedure over people.
How Reliable Are Field Sobriety Tests in DUI Cases?
Tennessee law doesn’t allow portable breathalyzer results as evidence in court. Instead, officers rely heavily on field sobriety tests—think walking a straight line or following a pen with your eyes. But here’s the rub: these tests are far from foolproof. Fatigue, age, medical conditions, or even nerves can trip up a perfectly sober person.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences found that field sobriety tests can yield false positives, especially among older adults or those with physical limitations. In Bondurant’s case, the trooper cited “bloodshot watery eyes” and supposed signs of impairment. Yet, her blood test—taken after her arrest—showed no alcohol or illegal substances, just a trace of sleep medication from the night before.
What Happens to Drivers Wrongly Accused of DUI?
The fallout from a wrongful DUI arrest goes way beyond a night in jail. For Bondurant, the experience was traumatic and left lasting scars. “Shock was the first reaction. Trauma. And the trauma lasted for months,” she shared with local news. She also lost her insurance coverage, a consequence that can haunt someone financially and emotionally for years.
And she’s not the only one. Another Tennessee driver described their post-arrest life as “a nightmare” that dragged on for 17 months. Even if charges are dropped, the stigma, legal fees, and insurance hikes don’t just vanish. According to the National Motorists Association, a DUI arrest—regardless of conviction—can increase car insurance premiums by up to 80 percent.
Are Tennessee’s New Transparency Laws Enough to Fix the Problem?
In response to mounting public pressure, Governor Bill Lee signed a law requiring the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to track and report on sober drivers arrested for DUI. It’s a step toward accountability, but critics say it doesn’t address the root cause: unreliable roadside testing and a lack of officer training.
Jane Bondurant herself isn’t convinced the law will prevent future mistakes. Data collection is important, but it doesn’t undo the harm already done or stop it from happening again. As she put it, “I think I’m eight people too many.”
What Can Be Done to Prevent False DUI Arrests?
Experts and advocates are calling for a multi-pronged approach. First, updating roadside testing protocols—possibly by allowing more reliable, court-admissible breath tests—could reduce errors. Second, better officer training on recognizing medical conditions and distinguishing them from impairment is crucial. Some states have begun using body cameras and requiring a second opinion before making an arrest in borderline cases. These small changes can make a big difference.
On a broader level, public awareness is key. If you’re ever pulled over, know your rights. Politely ask for a blood or urine test if you’re sober and feel a field test is unfair. And if you’re wrongly accused, consult an attorney who specializes in DUI defense—many offer free consultations.
What’s the Real Cost of Getting It Wrong?
The ripple effects of a wrongful DUI arrest are hard to overstate. Careers can be derailed, reputations tarnished, and families upended. For older adults or professionals like Bondurant, the damage can be especially severe. And when the public loses trust in law enforcement’s ability to fairly enforce the law, everyone loses.
The big takeaway? Fixing Tennessee’s DUI problem isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.