In the context of HGN, what does "smooth pursuit" refer to?

In the context of HGN, "smooth pursuit" refers to the eye's ability to follow a moving object without experiencing jerky or erratic movements. This skill is essential for various visual tasks, such as tracking an object that is moving along a path. When assessing a person's eye movements during the HGN test, an examiner looks specifically for smooth pursuit because the presence of jerky movements can indicate impairment, such as intoxication or other neurological issues.

The assessment helps law enforcement determine whether an individual might be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as impaired smooth pursuit can be a strong indicator of intoxication. Therefore, the significance of smooth pursuit in HGN is critical for making informed decisions during roadside evaluations.