Motion Induced Blindness

[terese]

http://www.msf-usa.org/motion.html

From a Pilot Friend of Mine....
This is frightening! It works exactly like it 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.

[bill99rt]

I've read where a driver will get tunnel vision after only a few seconds of looking straight ahead. I always try to keep scanning while riding or driving. All we can do about the other drivers is to try to watch out for them. Most don't know or care about this kind if stuff.

[Gail]

All we can do about the other drivers is to try to watch out for them. Most don't know or care about this kind if stuff.

I agree. Most are texting and certainly aren't looking for us Gail