Motion-Induced Blindness

[rockbilly]

I was first exposed to this test while working as the Squadron Safety Officer shortly before retiring.  It is a simple test that will tell you something about yourself and possibly help prevent an accident while driving, click on the link and read before taking the test; it may cause you to alter your driving habits.

One of the ideas that was expressed when discussing this with "Safety Experts," this is the major cause of accidents between automobiles and/or bicycles/ motorcycles.
 
Motion-Induced Blindness

This visual phenomenon is also called “target fixation" when fighter pilots track an opponent and do not see a second or third bogie coming in from another direction.  It is reasonable that this also applies to traffic and pedestrian situations.  When driving, keep your eyes moving, checking mirrors, looking to the left and right, and this blinding effect is minimized. This phenomenon works exactly like its name says, and is one major reason people in cars can look right at you (when you're on a motorcycle or bicycle)---AND NOT SEE YOU.
From a former naval aviator: This is a great illustration of what we were taught about scanning outside the cockpit when I went through training back in the '50s. We were told to scan the horizon for a short distance, stop momentarily, and repeat the process. I can remember being told why this was the most effective technique to locate other aircraft. It was emphasized (repeatedly) to NOT fix your gaze for more than a couple of seconds on any single object. The instructors, some of whom were WWII veterans with years of experience, instructed us to continually "keep our eyes moving and our head on a swivel" because this was the best way to survive, not only in combat, but from peacetime hazards (like a midair collision) as well. We basically had to take the advice on faith (until we could experience for ourselves) because the technology to demonstrate it didn't exist at that time.
Click on the link below for a demonstration... 
                                 http://www.msf-usa.org/motion.html
 
 

[Old Syko]

Interesting test.  After spending a lifetime working around things that seem to want to kill you any chance they get, I have a problem trying to fixate on a single point long enough to verify the test.  I do know it does work though.

[DalesCarpentry]

That is crazy!!!!   Dale

[KIMBER45]

Interesting article. I have a married friend who's eyes were fixated on other women. His wife, money and house all disappeared.

[52bagman]

Interesting, I've always been told I have "shifty eyes" and with this test it has been verified. Thanks

[Empty Quiver]

I've read of this phenomenon but the example is awesome.

[williamlayton]

I have been guilty of causing a wreck because of this.
Blessings

[Conan The Librarian]

I guess I'll have to shift my eyes and move my head as I'm driving down the road typing in text messages or chatting face to face with my passenger.

[Cuts Crooked]

Now that's an eye opener!

[briarpatch]

Kimber, you are hard on my keyboard.