What is the second clue of impairment?

• A. Starts too soon
• B. Stops while walking
• C. Doesn't touch heel to toe
• D. Uses arms for balance

Answer: (A)

In the walk-and-turn style test, observers look for a set of signs that show impairment in balance and judgment. Starting to move before the instruction to begin has been fully given is the second clue because it reveals a failure to wait for the cue and a quick, premature initiation that often accompanies cognitive and motor processing slowdown. This premature start is a clear, observable indicator that the subject isn’t coordinating actions with the tester’s commands, which is characteristic of impairment. The other clues—stopping while walking, not touching heel to toe, and using arms for balance—also point to balance and coordination issues, but starting too soon specifically highlights an initiation error in response to instructions, making it the best choice for the second clue.