When administering the HGN test, what should be kept away from the driver for safety?

When administering the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, it is crucial to maintain the safety of both the officer and the driver during the procedure. Keeping the officer's weapon side away from the driver is particularly important because it minimizes the risk of any potential conflict or misunderstandings that could arise during the traffic stop. If the driver becomes agitated or confused, having the weapon side positioned away can help prevent a scenario where the driver might feel threatened or react impulsively.

Additionally, positioning oneself safely is essential to ensure that the officer can focus on observing the driver closely for signs of impairment without the added concern of their own personal safety. The key to the HGN test is to maintain a controlled environment where the officer's attention can be directed toward accurately assessing the driver’s eye movements without the distraction of nearby dangers.