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The disproportionately high number of motorcycle-related traffic accidents may be linked to the way the human brain processes—or fails to process—information, according to new research published in Human Factors, "Allocating Attention to Detect Motorcycles: The Role of Inattentional Blindness." The study examines how the phenomenon of inattentional blindness, or a person's failure to notice an unexpected object located in plain sight, might explain the prevalence of looked-but-failed-to-see (LBFTS) crashes, the most common type of collision involving motorcycles.
According to human factors/ergonomics researchers Kristen Pammer, Stephanie Sabadas, and Stephanie Lentern, LBFTS crashes are particularly troublesome because, despite clear conditions and the lack of other hazards or distractions, drivers will look in the direction of the oncoming motorcycle - and in some cases appear to look directly at the motorcycle - but still pull out into its path.
The study authors suggest training drivers to be more alert for motorcycles.
(Score: 4, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday January 06 2018, @07:47AM (2 children)
Dude (or chick) sitting in a nice air conditioned vehicle, big, solid, comfortable, driving along. He is looking for potential threats. That is, he is watching for anything that may possible hurt him, or his vehicle. Non-threats aren't noted. It's really just about that simple. A Mack truck represents a huge threat, so almost no one pulls out in front of a Mack. Chevrolets and Fords represent a rather large threat. Some people, but not many pull out in front of them. Motorcycles and bicycles represent little if any threat, so they are dismissed. They represent so little threat, that they may not even be seen.
Funny thing - the Department of Transportation long ago mandated that motorcycles must have a headlight burning at all times, to make them "easier to see". People still don't see the motorcycle.
So, it all comes back on the motorcyclist. Just accept that you are the gladiator, and everyone in the ring is your enemy. You don't have to defeat your enemies to win, all you have to do is survive. Each and every vehicle that you pass without dying is a victory on your part. If you get home alive, you win. This is defensive driving. Assume that every vehicle you see is going to do the least expected thing. Assume that every driver on the road is out to get you. You must ride with this attitude, because you represent no threat to those drivers, but every one on them is a serious threat to you. Believe this, and ride like your life depends on it - because your life DOES INDEED depend on it.
(Score: 2, Interesting) by ataradov on Saturday January 06 2018, @08:00AM
Lights are not going to help. A typical pattern I see: 2 lanes stopped at a traffic light, from a number of cars behind a motorcycle appears and tries to get in front of everyone. There is no time to react to anything, there is no way to be aware of their presence up to the moment it is too late.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday January 06 2018, @03:27PM
Besides the physical threat, like getting hit by a truck, there is also the legal consequences threat. Nailing a pedestrian or bicyclist will have the car driver liable by default, hurt a motorcyclist, and a car driver has a pretty good chance of getting off by saying "but I didn't see him!"